Intermittent heavy rain hits Punjab cities, Lahore receives 123mm

Intermittent heavy rain battered several cities across Punjab over the past 24 hours, causing waterlogging in major urban areas and prompting disaster management authorities to keep emergency teams on alert, according to a monitored public feed based on Dawn Home.

The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) said on Wednesday that Lahore received 123 millimetres of rain, while Gujranwala recorded a heavy 245mm and Gujrat 95mm, according to the Water and Sanitation Agency (Wasa). The PDMA also reported 139mm in Sialkot, 138mm in Mandi Bahauddin, 117mm in Narowal, 85mm in Hafizabad, 70mm in Chakwal, 64mm in Okara, 35mm in Jhang, 33mm in Layyah and 32mm in Jhelum.

Rainwater accumulated in several parts of Lahore, including Kareem Block Market, Johar Town, Township, Ferozepur Road, Multan Road, Samanabad, Gulshan-i-Ravi, Lakshmi Chowk and Model Town, with commuters reporting difficulty moving through flooded streets. Social media posts and a Dawn correspondent also showed the Shamsi Underpass in Gujranwala’s Civil Lines area submerged, blocking traffic.

Wasa Lahore said in a statement that no water accumulation had been reported on most major roads and intersections, while also noting that drainage operations were being monitored in real time from the monsoon control room. The agency said teams had been mobilised to clear main drains and channels. Wasa Punjab director general, while conducting field monitoring in Gujranwala, said public convenience remained the priority and advised people to avoid unnecessary travel and contact authorities in emergencies.

In Gujrat, Wasa said 20 emergency teams were working across the city’s three zones to drain rainwater. The agency claimed traffic was flowing normally on major roads there. Separately, Wasa said drainage efforts were underway in 41 districts across Punjab, with rivers, dams and barrages under continuous monitoring.

The PDMA said at least 17 people have died in rain-related incidents in Punjab since the monsoon season began. Of those deaths, 12 were linked to the collapse of buildings or other structures, two to lightning strikes and three to electrocution.

Chief Minister Maryam also urged the public not to put their lives at risk by going near or bathing in canals, rivers and rainwater drains during the monsoon and flood conditions. Punjab Housing Minister Bilal Yasin directed departments to stay mobilised and focus on clearing water from low-lying areas. He said the drainage system across the province, including Lahore, was being made more effective and modernised in view of above-normal rainfall expected this monsoon season.

Source: Dawn Home - https://www.dawn.com/news/2017532/intermittent-heavy-rain-hits-punjab-cities-lahore-receives-123mm