Heavy monsoon rains in Punjab have disrupted daily life, caused widespread urban flooding, and claimed 17 lives, highlighting the challenges facing drainage infrastructure as another spell of wet weather is forecast across the province.
According to the Punjab Disaster Management Authority (PDMA), rain-related incidents during the current monsoon season have left 17 people dead and 107 injured. Authorities have also warned of more heavy rainfall, urban flooding, and landslides in the coming days.
Lahore Roads Flooded, Traffic Disrupted
Several major roads and low-lying areas of Lahore remained inundated for hours after intense rainfall, causing severe traffic congestion and leaving vehicles stranded.
Among the affected areas were Lakshmi Chowk, Expo Centre Road, Badami Bagh, Lawrence Road, Safanwala Chowk, and Madina Colony, where accumulated rainwater disrupted movement across the city.
A motorcyclist also died after reportedly coming into contact with an exposed live electric wire in standing water, raising renewed concerns over public safety during heavy rain.
Government Highlights Drainage Operations
The Punjab government said drainage operations were carried out across 41 districts on the instructions of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif.
According to the official statement, district administrations, the Water and Sanitation Agency (WASA), the PDMA, and other departments remained active throughout the rainfall. Authorities said underpasses were cleared and water was removed from most inundated locations within a few hours, allowing traffic to resume.
River Flood Levels Under Monitoring
The Punjab Irrigation Department reported a moderate flood at Marala Barrage on the Chenab River, where inflow reached 224,496 cusecs and outflow measured 206,496 cusecs.
A moderate flood was also reported at Qadirabad Barrage, while Khanki Barrage remained at a low flood level. Officials said conditions at other rivers and barrages remained normal.
Weather Department Warns of More Heavy Rain
The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has forecast additional heavy rainfall over the next 24 hours in Lahore, other parts of Punjab, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, and northern Pakistan.
The department warned of urban flooding, flash floods in local streams, and landslides in Murree and Galliyat, urging residents and relevant authorities to take precautionary measures.
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