Highest rainfall in 30 years turns Lahore into urban swamp
On Wednesday, the city received over 290mm of rain within 10 hours, breaking a 30-year-old record.
According to the official, the metropolis received 291mm of rain, during which more than a dozen areas recorded over 200mm. Climate change and strong monsoons are to blame for the heavy rains.
The city administration and all employees of Water and Sanitation Authority (Wasa) Lahore are fully mobilised to ensure the drainage of rainwater.
In 2022, Lahore received 238mm of rain, while earlier this year, 256mm of rain fell on June 26,” Randhawa said.
According to the commissioner, Lahore recorded 288mm of rain in 2018, the most in 30 years.
A few hours after the rain stops, MD Wasa Ghafran Ahmed promised to clear all low-lying areas.
Lakhsmi Chowk received 259mm of rain, Nishter Town 258mm, Gulshan-e-Ravi 251mm, Johar Town 250mm, Qurtaba Chowk 241mm, Tajpura 238mm, Pana Wala Talab 222mm and Iqbal Town 221mm.
Rain began earlier this morning, paralyzing the city as the major roads and connecting streets were flooded, making commuting impossible. Due to knee-deep water, many vehicles broke down on the roads.
A power cut in Shah Jamal and Tajpura caused rainwater to enter low-lying areas, causing life to be miserable.
CM visits city
A record-breaking rainstorm caused urban flooding, and a canal overflowed following heavy rains, according to Punjab’s Chief Minister Mohsin Naqvi.
In order to clear the water, all cabinet members and administration officials are in the field. During a visit to Lahore to oversee relief efforts, the chief minister said he was constantly monitoring the situation in the field.
The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) warned last week that moist currents from the Arabian Sea would penetrate upper parts of the country, and a westerly wave is expected to enter the upper parts of the country on Monday, causing heavy rains from July 4 to 7.
Three die in KP
According to Geo News, at least three people have been killed in rain-related incidents in different districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
One person died in Karak, and two in Shangla, according to the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA).
In addition to eight injuries, seven houses were partially damaged, according to the PDMA. There was a complete damage to one house.
KP’s relief department official said the victims would receive relief in accordance with government policy.
Flood warning
According to the latest meteorological analysis, a deep trough of the westerly wave along with strong incursion of monsoon currents from both sources and approaching upper air circulation are expected, resulting in widespread heavy to extremely heavy rainfall with extremely heavy falls scattered throughout the upper catchments of Rivers Sutlej, Ravi, and Chenab, as well as the upper catchment of River Jhelum to some extent.
A very high to exceptionally high level of flooding is expected in River Chenab because of these meteorological conditions, the advisory said.
Additionally, high to very high flood levels are expected in the nullahs of Rivers Ravi and Chenab depending on India’s releases.