AMRAIZ KHAN
The first heavy spell of monsoon lashed the City, turning the weather pleasant and left various low-lying areas inundated.
The rain started early in the morning, continued incessantly in different part of the provincial capital till afternoon.
According to citizens, the rain provided immediate relief against the extremely hot weather in Lahore and other cities of central Punjab.
The provincial capital city received downpour amid 30 kilometres per hour wind speed. The Met officials had earlier issued alert regarding heavy rain in Lahore on July 20 and 21.
According to Met office, the maximum rainfall of 99mm was recorded in Farrukhabad, while 40.6mm of rain on Jail Road, 44mm at Airport and 46.5mm in Gulberg were recorded.
However, 86mm rain was recorded in Lakshmi Chowk, 53mm in Upper Mall and 53mm in Mughalpura and 59mm rain was recorded in Tajpura.
The Met office data showed that Nishtar Town received 97mm rainfall, Chowk Nakhoda 60mm, Pani Wala Talab 97mm, Gulshan-e-Ravi 68mm, Iqbal Town 58mm, Samanabad 73mm, Johar Town 86.3mm and Punjab University 60mm.
Meanwhile, heavy rain disrupted the Lahore Electric Supply Company’s (Lesco) transmission system in different parts of the city.
More than 130 feeders of the Lesco tripped due to rain, leaving various areas of the City without electricity.
Different areas also faced power outage due to feeders tripping and other technical faults caused by the rain.
Due to prolonged power outage, citizens faced severe problems. Power outages in Allama Iqbal Town, Mustafaabad, Shafiqabad, Sherkot, Green Town, Shadipura, Baden Road, Dholnawal, Chauburji Park, Faizpur, Ali Park, and Data Nagar disrupted daily routine of citizens.
Amin Park, Bilal Colony, Ichhra, Mominpura, Shahdara, Karim Park, Begum Kot, and several areas of Kot Mohammadi, Bilalganj are also facing power outage.
Meanwhile, Chief Minister Usman Buzdar directed the city administration and Wasa to remain alert and utilize all necessary resources for drainage of rainwater from the low-lying areas.
On the other hand, the Met office informed that Faisalabad also received heavy rainfall, causing accumulation knee-deep rainwater at key thoroughfares, markets and streets of the city.
Rainwater entered houses in various areas. Power outages were also reported in several localities of the city.
According to the Met Office, Faisalabad received overall 62mm rain, while the city is also expected to receive more rain in next two days.
Soon after the downpour started in Lahore, Commissioner Capt (r) Muhammad Usman contacted the officials concerned and received updates on water drainage.
Talking to the media, he said that Wasa MD was himself inspecting arrangements made to deal with any eventuality during the rains.
The commissioner hoped that it would not take long to drain out the water accumulated so far. He directed all officials concerned to wake up and go straight to the affected areas to monitor water drainage.
He also stressed the need for keeping the machinery ready for the purpose. “Flush out the water accumulated at cattle markets with the help of machinery,” Commissioner Usman ordered.
He asked the people to dial the numbers given by the administration in case of an emergency.
