Key Takeaways
- Intermittent heavy rain lashed several cities in Punjab over the past 24 hours.
- Lahore recorded 123mm of rainfall, with Gujranwala receiving a record 245mm.
- At least 17 people have died due to rain-related incidents since the start of monsoon.
Intermittent heavy rainfall has affected several cities in Punjab over the past 24 hours, with Lahore recording 123 millimetres of rain. The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) reported that Gujranwala received a record 245mm and Gujrat recorded 95mm. Sialkot saw 139mm, Mandi Bahauddin had 138mm, Narowal experienced 117mm, Hafizabad got 85mm, Chakwal received 70mm, Okara had 64mm, Jhang recorded 35mm, Layyah saw 33mm, and Jhelum registered 32mm of rainfall.
Since the start of the monsoon season in Punjab, at least 17 people have lost their lives due to rain-related incidents. Of these deaths, 12 were caused by building collapses or structural failures, two died from lightning strikes, and three succumbed to electrocution, according to PDMA reports.
The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) has advised the public not to risk their lives by going near or bathing in canals, rivers, and rainwater drains during monsoon season and flood conditions. CM Maryam urged residents to avoid such areas for safety reasons.
Residents of major cities faced hardships due to accumulated rainwater on roads. Photos shared on social media showed the Shamsi Underpass in Gujranwala’s Civil Lines area completely submerged, making it impossible for traffic to pass through. In Lahore, rainwater inundated different areas including Kareem Block Market, Johar Town, Township, Ferozepur Road, Multan Road, Samanabad, Gulshan-i-Ravi, Lakshmi Chowk, and Model Town.
Videos posted on social media platform X showed cars wading through knee-deep water on major roads across Lahore. Social media users also reported prolonged power outages in areas that received rainfall over the past 24 hours. However, Wasa Lahore claimed no water accumulation was reported on most major roads and intersections, stating real-time monitoring of citywide drainage operations is being conducted from the monsoon control room.
DG Wasa Punjab stated, 'Teams are mobilised for immediate cleaning of main drains and channels to provide relief to citizens.' According to Wasa, rainwater drainage efforts were underway in 41 districts. Authorities continuously monitor rivers, dams, and barrages with all Wasa field teams on high alert. Public convenience is the top priority.
Punjab’s Housing Minister Bilal Yasin directed all departments to remain mobilised to promptly address difficulties faced by citizens during the monsoon season. He advised prioritising drainage of water from low-lying areas, adding that above-normal rainfall is expected.
