Cloudburst triggers city chaos

Four die of electrocution, roof collapse; storm disrupts electricity supply

LAHORE:

A record-breaking rainfall of 360mm hit Lahore on Thursday, causing widespread chaos throughout the city by transforming major thoroughfares into streams and low-lying areas into ponds.

The extreme weather event marks the heaviest rainfall in the city in 44 years.

The deluge resulted in the loss of four lives, including two children, and caused injuries to several others.

Significant property damage was also reported as rainwater inundated homes and businesses.

The unprecedented weather led to the collapse of several structures, with six houses reportedly damaged.

Among the casualties was a 14-year-old boy, Abdullah Altaf, who drowned near Chungi Amar Sadhu. Rescue 1122 confirmed his death upon recovery of the body. The victim was a street vendor. In Gajjumata, a roof collapse of a house claimed the life of a young girl and injured six other people.

Additionally, a 30-year-old man was electrocuted after touching an electric pole in Nishat Colony due to the heavy rain.

A 41-year-old man, Ghulam Mustaf, accidently touched a wire and died of electric shock in the Defence area.

Two people were injured in another incident of roof collapse near the Shaukat Khanum Chowk.

According to Dr Rana Muhammad Atif, Senior Meteorologist at the Met Office, the rainfall reached 350mm at Lahore Airport Road. Other affected areas included Nishtar Town (282mm), Pani Wala Talab (226mm) and Iqbal Town (232mm). The highest recorded rainfall prior to this event was 332mm in July 1980. The Lahore Water and Sanitation Agency (WASA) reported severe water accumulation in various parts of the city, including Lakshmi Chowk, Nisbat Road, Hall Road, Anarkali and other low-lying areas.

In response, the Lahore division commissioner declared a rain emergency, closing offices and schools.

The Punjab chief minister also ordered expedited drainage efforts across Lahore and other affected areas, mobilising all relevant departments and administrative officers.

The storm disrupted electricity supply as approximately 300 feeders of the Lahore Electric Supply Company (LESCO) tripped, affecting numerous neighbourhoods, including Township, Green Town, Garden Town, Faisal Town, Gulberg, Walled City, Multan Road, Samanabad, Ferozpur Road and Anarkali. Despite a high alert issued by LESCO's CEO, power remained out in several areas for over 12 hours, severely affecting daily life and business operations.