Heavy rainfall deluges Pakistan’s cultural capital, Lahore, as authorities ramp up relief efforts

ISLAMABAD: Heavy rainfall lashed Pakistan’s eastern city of Lahore on Friday, said a senior district administration official, as provincial authorities stepped up relief efforts to manage the aftermath of the intense downpour.
Known as the cultural capital of Pakistan, Lahore is famed for its historical buildings and a blend of old and new localities. The city has experienced significant flooding in the aftermath of heavy rains in the past, with people complaining of waterlogging in streets and heavy traffic congestion.
“Today maximum of 247mm [millimeter] rain is recorded while dozens of Lahore areas received more than 120mm rain in a very short period,” Lahore Commissioner Zaid Bin Maqsood was quoted by his office in a social media post. “All machinery and human resources are working in full swing [to clear rainwater].”

The post added that he visited various areas of the city to monitor the water removal efforts by the Water and Sanitation Agency (WASA).
Radio Pakistan also reported that Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz was also monitoring measures to drain rainwater “in all districts of the province.”
She held a meeting about the situation, instructing relevant officials to stay in the field and deal with waterclogging in their respective areas.
Earlier in the day, Pakistan’s National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) warned of heavy rains and flash floods in the upper and central parts of the country for the next two days.
The NDMA cautioned about urban and flash flooding in local water streams and river tributaries if the rainfall exceeds 50-100 millimeters, urging residents of Lahore and other cities to take precautionary measures and directing local authorities to closely monitor the situation.
According to WASA, the first spell of rainfall in Lahore occurred from early morning until the afternoon, recording 315mm of rain in Tajpura, 170mm at Lakshmi Chowk, 162mm at Nishter Town, 155mm at Chowk Nakhuda and 153mm in Samanabad.
Earlier this year in April, heavy rains triggered landslides and flash floods across Pakistan, resulting in 92 deaths and 116 injuries.
Punjab province reported 21 deaths from lightning and roof collapses, while Balochistan province reported at least 15 deaths from torrential rains.