Heavy monsoon rainfall broke a 44-year record in Lahore on Thursday, resulting in at least four fatalities and seven injuries. The unprecedented deluge led to severe flooding, power outages, and widespread disruption in the city of 13 million residents.
Key Highlights:
- Rainfall Record: The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) reported nearly 360 millimeters of rain, surpassing the previous record of 332 millimeters set in July 1980.
- Casualties:
- A youth was electrocuted near an electricity pole in Nishat Colony.
- A 14-year-old boy drowned in Kot Lakhpat.
- A man was electrocuted by an exposed wire in Defence Phase VII.
- A girl died, and five others were injured in a roof collapse in Nishtar Colony.
- Two people were wounded in another roof collapse near Shaukat Khanum Chowk.
- Seven goats were killed in a wall collapse in Kahna.
Impact on Infrastructure:
- Hospitals and Power: Several hospitals experienced flooding, and power outages were reported intermittently throughout the city.
- Roads and Traffic: Submerged streets brought traffic to a halt, disrupting businesses and daily activities.
- Emergency Measures: Lahore’s commissioner declared an emergency, closing offices and schools for the day.
Government Response:
Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Sharif announced on social media that the government was actively working to drain the water and restore normalcy.
Meteorological Insights:
Sardar Sarfaraz, chief meteorologist at the PMD, described the rains as “torrential” and indicated that heavy rains were expected to continue intermittently until the evening. The PMD forecasted a wetter-than-usual monsoon season, attributing the extreme weather to climate change.
Broader Context:
The monsoon season, which accounts for 70-80% of South Asia’s annual rainfall, is critical for agriculture but increasingly poses risks due to changing weather patterns. This year’s monsoon has already resulted in 24 deaths in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and significant damage in other regions of Pakistan and neighboring countries.
In 2022, unprecedented monsoon rains submerged a third of Pakistan, displacing millions and causing an estimated $30 billion in damages. The recent rainfall adds to the ongoing challenges posed by climate change, highlighting the need for robust disaster management and climate resilience measures.
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