The provincial capital of Punjab, Lahore, witnessed an unprecedented downpour on Friday, recording up to 315 millimeters of rain. This deluge shattered a 30-year-old record and left the city submerged in rainwater, creating significant challenges for residents and authorities alike.
Unprecedented Downpour
The heavy rainfall, which began early in the day, has broken previous records set last year, with Tajpura area experiencing the highest rainfall at 315 mm. Other areas recorded significant rainfall as well:
- Pani Wala Talab: 151 mm
- Qurtuba Chowk: 152 mm
- Gulshan-e-Ravi: 151 mm
- Mughalpura: 145 mm
- Airport: 86 mm
- Upper Mall: 130 mm
- Samanabad: 153 mm
- Iqbal Town: 152 mm
- Gulberg Town: 105 mm
- Chowk Nakhuda: 155 mm
- Nishter Town: 162 mm
- Jail Road: 69 mm
- Farrukhabad: 140 mm
The Pakistan Meteorological Department has forecast more rain in the next 24 hours, potentially worsening the situation.
Response and Relief Efforts
WASA Managing Director M Ghufran confirmed the record-breaking rainfall and stated that the Water and Sanitation Agency (WASA) staff were actively managing the situation. “Water has been removed from Lakshmi Chowk and other areas are also being cleared. Soon, the city will be free of rainwater,” he assured.
Despite the efforts, many areas, including Shah Jamal, Lakshmi Chowk, and Davis Road, are still grappling with water accumulation. Residents have faced significant challenges due to the heavy rainfall, but Ghufran reassured that WASA staff, along with other provincial administration officials, are on the ground to manage any further complications.
“We are continuously monitoring the drainage operation to ensure that the impact on residents is minimized,” he added.
Official Inspections
Minister for Local Government Zeeshan Rafique and other officials visited various affected areas to assess the ongoing drainage efforts. Accompanied by Commissioner Lahore Zaid bin Maqsood, Deputy Commissioner, and WASA MD Ghufran Ahmad, the minister inspected areas such as Lakshmi Chowk, Abid Market, and Tajpura Scheme.
Rafique emphasized the use of all available resources to ensure efficient drainage and remarked on the historic nature of the rainfall. He acknowledged the swift actions of the WASA and MCL teams, who managed to clear the Lakshmi Chowk area within half an hour.
Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has been overseeing the efforts, ensuring that teams remain engaged to promptly address the situation. Rafique mentioned that ongoing efforts are focused on clearing areas like Abid Market promptly, noting the city’s record rainfall and the immediate need for effective drainage operations.
Authorities are working tirelessly to restore normalcy and mitigate the impact of the historic rainfall on Lahore. The combined efforts of provincial administration officials and WASA staff aim to alleviate the challenges posed by the unprecedented downpour, ensuring the safety and well-being of Lahore’s residents.
