(Web Desk Monitoring) — Torrential rains lashed Lahore on Thursday, delivering over 350 millimeters of rainfall within three hours and breaking a 44-year-old record. The deluge led to tragic consequences, with one person losing their life due to electrocution in Nishat Colony.
According to the local media reports, the heavy rains caused significant flooding, with rainwater entering homes in the Tajpura area, submerging roads, and severely disrupting early morning commutes. Many areas experienced power outages as electricity was suspended across multiple localities.
The downpour was not confined to Lahore; Karachi, Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Sheikhupura, Pakpattan, Kasur, Jehlum, and other cities across the country also experienced rainfall, resulting in submerged low-lying areas.
Sardar Sarfaraz, chief meteorologist at the Pakistan Meteorological Department, described the rains as “torrential.” Here are the rainfall measurements recorded at various locations in Lahore:
- Airport: 357mm
- Head Office WASA, Gulberg: 210mm
- Lakshmi Chowk: 211mm
- Upper Mall: 215mm
- Mughalpura SDO Office: 202mm
- Tajpura SDO Office: 258mm
- Nishter Town Director Office: 299mm
- Chowk Nakhuda: 247mm
- Pani Wala Talab: 314mm
- Farrukhabad: 275mm
- Gulshan-e-Ravi: 235mm
- Iqbal Town SDO Office: 260mm
- Samnabad SDO Office: 232mm
- Johar Town SDO Office: 270mm
- Qurtaba Chowk: 218mm
Sarfaraz noted that while Lahore saw heavy rains, the province of Sindh experienced even more rainfall. He explained that the intensity of the current spell is expected to decrease, but intermittent rain will continue until the evening. From August 1-6, several parts of the country are forecasted to receive further rain.
The heavy downpours severely impacted the city, with water flooding the emergency departments of Services Hospital and Mayo Hospital, causing significant distress for patients.
Moreover, the Lahore Electric Supply Company (Lesco) reported that over 400 feeders had tripped due to the rain. Lesco officials stated that power restoration work would commence as soon as the rain stops.
The National Highways and Motorway Police (NH&MP) spokesperson reported intermittent rain along various national highways. The rain was recorded from Motorway M2 to Pindi Bhattian, Sheikhupura, Kala Shah Kaku, and Thokar Niaz Baig. Additionally, Manga Mandi, Patuki, Renala Khurd, and Okara also experienced significant rainfall. Motorway M3, from Faizpur to Nankana Sahib, was similarly drenched.
