Lahore Faces Record Rainfall Leading to Casualties and Chaos

A record rainfall in Lahore resulted in four deaths and multiple injuries, causing widespread disruption. Heavy rains triggered extensive delays in flights, power outages, and flooding, affecting various areas and hospital facilities. Relief activities are underway as the Pakistan Meteorological Department forecasts continued rains.

In an unprecedented weather event, Lahore experienced record-breaking rainfall within three hours on Thursday, causing the deaths of four individuals and injuring at least seven, the Pakistan-based daily, Dawn, reported. Additionally, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa saw two fatalities.

Flight operations between Lahore and Karachi were severely disrupted as six flights faced delays, with Civil Aviation Authority staff occupied in clearing runways and adjacent areas. The Pakistan Meteorological Department revealed that the incessant rains are expected to persist until August 6, with intermittent breaks, predicting above-normal rainfall for Lahore during the first half of August.

Residents in Mughalpura, Tajpura, and Garhi Shahu grappled with clogged sewers likely blocked by excessive garbage. Many vehicles broke down in several regions due to the heavy downpour. Water damage was extensive, infiltrating various hospitals' emergency departments and wards, destroying medical supplies and flooding parking areas.

Power outages compounded the city's troubles, as 410 feeders of the Lahore Electric Supply Company tripped. In Lahore, a minor lost their life in a house collapse, while three others died from electrocution. Another house collapse injured two more individuals.

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa reported two additional deaths: one in Upper Chitral and one in Abbottabad districts. A farmer and a girl were tragically swept away by flash floods in these regions.

Participants engaged in relief operations in Sorech village, severely affected by a glacial lake outburst, leaving 60 families homeless, according to Upper Chitral District Commissioner Haseebur Rehman Khalil.

Mahr Sahibzad Khan, Director General of the Pakistan Meteorological Department, warned that persistent rains could potentially cause the Chenab river to swell, leading to possible flooding.

(With inputs from agencies.)