Lahore: Record-Breaking Downpours Claim Lives and Paralyze the City
In an unprecedented weather event, Lahore was hit by torrential rains that broke a 44-year record, resulting in the loss of at least four lives and injuring seven others. The heavy monsoon downpour, which began on Thursday, unleashed almost 360 millimeters of rain, flooding hospitals, cutting off power, and submerging streets in the bustling metropolis of 13 million people.
Tragic Losses and Destruction
The relentless rain triggered a series of tragic incidents across Lahore. In Nishat Colony, a youth was electrocuted near an electricity pole, while a 14-year-old boy drowned in Kot Lakhpat. Another man lost his life to electrocution from an exposed wire in Defence Phase VII. A roof collapse in Nishtar Colony claimed the life of a young girl and injured five others. Additionally, a wooden roof collapse near Shaukat Khanum Chowk left two more people wounded.
Impact on Livestock and Infrastructure
The heavy rains not only affected human lives but also led to the death of seven goats buried under a collapsed wall in Kahna, a suburban area of Lahore. The extensive rainfall overwhelmed the city’s drainage systems, causing significant disruptions. Roads turned into rivers, trapping vehicles and bringing daily activities to a standstill.
Weather Experts Weigh In
Chief meteorologist Sardar Sarfaraz described the rains as “torrential” and highlighted that this extreme weather was anticipated. “There were more rains in Sindh compared to Punjab. But this was expected,” Sarfaraz noted. He also mentioned that while the intensity of the rain was expected to decrease, intermittent showers were likely to continue until the evening. The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has forecast more downpours across the country from August 1 to 6, predicting a wetter-than-usual monsoon season this year.
City Under Water
Lahore, the second-largest city in Pakistan, faced unprecedented challenges as the rainstorm ravaged its infrastructure. Hospitals were flooded, power outages were rampant, and major roads were submerged, bringing the city’s traffic and business activities to a halt. Rescue workers were seen pushing stranded cars from floodwaters, and the city’s commissioner declared an emergency, closing offices and schools for the day.