Following heavy rainfall in various parts of Punjab including Lahore, the scorching heat and humidity gave way to more pleasant weather on Tuesday.
The day started with heavy rain and later it continued to drizzle the whole day. Many areas of the provincial capital including Lakshmi Chowk, Abbot Road, Gulberg, Jail Road, Garden Town, and Kahna received heavy rain in a uniform downpour.
Areas like ChungiAmarsidhu, Qainchi, Tajpura, Walton, Ferozepur Road, Railway Station, Shahdara, and Ichhra also witnessed a substantial amount of rainfall.
Other areas, including Mughalpura, Mustafa Abad, NeelaGumbad, Queens Road, Samanabad, Rajgarh, Shad Bagh, Jalal Park, MahmoodBooti, and GajjuMatta, experienced improved weather conditions due to the rainfall.
Continuous and heavy rainfall since the morning caused low-lying areas in the city to become waterlogged, leading to difficulties for the residents. Many parts of the city were seen rainwater entering homes, causing inconvenience to the inhabitants.
Moreover, the torrential rain led to a transformation in the appearance of several roads in the city. Drainage channels and nullahs were filled with rainwater, impacting traffic flow and causing congestion. The situation was particularly challenging near Mall Road and Faisal Chowk, where fallen trees further hindered traffic.
As a result of the ongoing rain, over 100 feeders in LESCO (Lahore Electric Supply Company) tripped. Most areas faced power outages for hours due to the loss of electricity supply. The disruption in power supply added to the difficulties faced by the city’s residents.
In response to these conditions, the local authorities were actively engaged in efforts to drain the accumulated rainwater from the roads.
The Commissioner, Deputy Commissioner, and Chairman WASA (Water and Sanitation Agency) visited various areas to oversee the drainage operations.
Commissioner Lahore, Mohammad Ali Randhawa, ordered the authorities to remain on high alert in light of the persistent rain. Caretaker Punjab Chief Minister Mohsin Naqvi, who is currently in China, instructed WASA, Rescue 1122, and district administration officials to take immediate action in response to the heavy rain.
Mohsin Naqvi directed the agencies to mobilize their teams in the field to ensure the swift and efficient removal of rainwater from low-lying areas.
Moreover, Deputy Commissioner Lahore Rafia Haidar visited various parts of the provincial capital on Tuesday during heavy rain and reviewed the drainage of rainwater in Jinnah Underpass, Lakhsmi Chowk, The Mall, Waris road, The Mall, Qartaba Chowk, Aiwan-e-Iqbal, Governor House and other areas. She also reviewed the emergency camps set up by the WASA (Water and Sanitation Agency) Lahore and inquired about the operational water pumps to ensure the speedy disposal of rainwater during the current rains in the city.
The DC said that citizens could also call WASA helpline in case of any emergency or may tag on our social media page. She directed the officers concerned to remain present in the field, ensuring the prompt drainage of stagnant or rainwater from low lying areas and underpasses.
She said the process of drainage of rainwater continued through suction machines, excavators and de-watering sets. Meanwhile, Assistant Commissioners also remained present in the field and monitored the process of drainage of rainwater in their jurisdiction.
