Heavy Monsoon Downpour Submerges Lahore, Disrupts Power, and Breaks 44-Year Rainfall Record
Lahore was overwhelmed by heavy monsoon showers on Thursday, recording an astonishing 350 millimeters of rain in just three hours. This intense downpour shattered a 44-year-old record, causing widespread flooding that disrupted daily life across the city. The heavy rains submerged major roads and neighborhoods, including Mall Road, Ferozepur Road, Model Town, Faisal Town, Lakshmi Chowk, and Anarkali, paralyzing traffic and making it nearly impossible for residents to commute.
The relentless rainwater didn’t spare homes or businesses. In Tajpura, residents faced the devastating reality of rainwater entering their homes, damaging property and belongings. Even healthcare facilities were not immune, as Services Hospital struggled to manage the influx of water, challenging the already strained medical staff and causing distress to patients.
The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has issued a warning for more torrential rains expected in the upper parts of the country from August 1 to 6, urging residents to brace for potential further disruptions.
Power outages compounded the city’s woes as the Lahore Electric Supply Company (LESCO) reported 288 feeder trips, leading to widespread electricity disruptions. LESCO has appealed to the public for patience as their teams work tirelessly to restore power across the affected areas.
Rainfall measurements varied across Lahore, with Lahore Airport recording the highest at 337mm, followed by Pani Wala Talab at 203mm, Lakshmi Chowk at 191mm, Upper Mall at 182mm, Mughalpura at 173mm, Tajpura at 180mm, Nishtar Town at 227mm, and Chowk Nakhuda at 163mm. These figures highlight the severity of the monsoon, marking it as one of the most significant weather events in Lahore’s recent history.
As the city grapples with the aftermath of this historic downpour, residents and authorities alike are preparing for more challenges in the days to come.
