LAHORE: Heavy rain lashed various parts of Lahore on Saturday, with the highest rainfall recorded in Nishtar Town.
According to the data shared by the Water and Sanitation Agency (Wasa), Jail Road recorded 20.5 mm of rain, airport area 40 mm, Gulberg Head Office 20 mm, Lakshmi Chowk 30.5 mm, Upper Mall 29 mm, Mughalpura 30.5 mm, Tajpura 27 mm, Nishtar Town 48.5 mm and Chowk Nakhuda 25 mm.
Rainfall was also recorded in Pani Wala Talab (22 mm), Farrukhabad (19 mm), Gulshan-i-Ravi (17 mm), Iqbal Town (20 mm), Samanabad (22.5 mm), Johar Town (37.5 mm), Defence Road (15 mm), Shadipura (0.5 mm) and Saggian (18.5 mm).
Separately, Rescue 1122 said that at least two people were injured after a wall collapsed on a rickshaw in Wapda Town. It said that one of the two was taken to Jinnah Hospital for further treatment.
According to the Pakistan Meteorological Department’s weather forecast, rain, windstorm/thunderstorm were likely at isolated places in Azad Kashmir, northeast/east Punjab and Potohar regions. It said that heavy rain/hailstorms may also occur during the period.
It is worth noting that the Punjab Provincial Disaster Management Authority had warned temperatures would remain significantly above normal across the province from May 25 to May 31.
Meanwhile, Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz directed all departments concerned to remain on high alert during rainfall in the province, state-run PTV reported.
In a post on social media platform X, the broadcaster stated that CM Maryam directed officials to ensure immediate drainage of rainwater and continuous supervision and effective monitoring of Wasa operations.
She also directed that continuous monitoring of stormwater drains and drainage channels be ensured, emphasising that rainwater should not accumulate in urban areas. Further, the chief minister directed the Punjab Irrigation Department’s teams to remain alert and continue monitoring water flow in canals.
She directed all departments concerned to ensure comprehensive safety measures during the rains, including necessary precautions at construction sites to prevent accidents.
Special monitoring of dilapidated and vulnerable buildings was also directed, while district administrations were instructed to issue alerts regarding the risk of roof collapses.
The chief minister also directed authorities to make special arrangements to maintain the smooth flow of traffic on major highways and thoroughfares. She also directed the Punjab Safe Cities Authority and Chief Traffic Officer to remain fully alert and ensure public guidance and communication for effective traffic management.
“All field teams must remain fully prepared to protect the lives and property of the people,” CM Maryam was quoted as saying.
Meanwhile, Wasa Managing Director Ghufran Ahmed visited multiple areas of the city, including low-lying localities, to monitor the rainwater drainage operation, the department said in a statement.
He visited Qurtaba Chowk, Kalma Chowk underpass, Gaddafi Stadium, Liberty Chowk and Main Boulevard Gulberg, and directed the officials to accelerate the drainage operation, the Wasa said.
It further stated that the Wasa DG also directed that all available resources be utilised to ensure prompt clearance of water from low-lying areas, major roads, and underpasses to ensure the smooth flow of traffic.
According to the Wasa managing director, all disposal stations were being operated at full capacity in the ongoing drainage operation.
Lahore Deputy Commissioner Captain (R) Muhammad Ali Ijaz also visited Mazang and Lakshmi Chowk and received a briefing from the Wasa DG. He was informed that drainage of rainwater was completed from all important areas of the city, while Wasa teams were busy clearing other areas.
The DC directed that Wasa personnel remain on high alert in low-lying areas, while ensuring the prompt drainage of rainwater. He also directed Wasa to keep all disposal stations fully operational and continue the cleaning of sewerage lines without interruption.
Officials were also instructed to address citizens’ complaints on a priority basis and ensure that all roads were cleared promptly to maintain smooth flow of traffic.
On May 13, heavy rain and hailstorms lashed several parts of the provincial capital, inundating low-lying areas and disrupting the flow of traffic on major thoroughfares.
