05/07/2023
In an unprecedented event, incessant rainfall on Wednesday shattered a 30-year-old record as Lahore experienced over 290mm of rain within a span of 10 hours, according to Commissioner Lahore Mohammad Ali Randhawa.
The city witnessed a total of 291mm of rain, with more than a dozen areas receiving over 200mm of rainfall, indicating the impact of climate change and a powerful monsoon, as stated by the official. In response, the city administration and all personnel of the Water and Sanitation Authority (Wasa) Lahore are actively engaged in ensuring the effective drainage of rainwater.
Commissioner Randhawa further highlighted previous notable rainfall incidents in Lahore, with 256mm recorded on June 26 of this year and 238mm in 2022. Comparatively, the current rainfall of 291mm in such a short duration marks an extraordinary occurrence not witnessed in the past three decades.
Meanwhile, MD Wasa Ghafran Ahmed assured that all low-lying areas would be cleared promptly once the rain subsides.
According to Wasa, several areas experienced substantial rainfall, including Lakhsmi Chowk with 259mm, Nishter Town with 258mm, Gulshan-e-Ravi with 251mm, Johar Town with 250mm, Qurtaba Chowk with 241mm, Tajpura with 238mm, Pana Wala Talab with 222mm, and Iqbal Town with 221mm.
The heavy rain disrupted the city, causing extensive waterlogging on major roads and streets, rendering transportation virtually impossible. Numerous vehicles encountered breakdowns due to the high water levels. Additionally, low-lying areas such as Shah Jamal and Tajpura experienced water entering houses, while power supply disruptions added to the hardships faced by the residents.