Heavy rain disrupts city traffic flow

Water accumulates on roads and in low-lying areas

LAHORE:

Scattered rain showers hit various parts of Lahore and its surrounding areas on Monday, leading to the accumulation of water on roads and in low-lying areas, which disrupted the flow of traffic.

According to data released by the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD), the highest rainfall was recorded in Nishtar Town, where 105 millimetres of rain fell. This was followed by 42mm in Gulberg, 36mm in Tajpura, 31mm in Upper Mall, 8mm in Iqbal Town and 2mm in Samanabad.

The Meteorological Department forecast further rainfall in most districts of Punjab over the next 24 hours, with the current monsoon spell expected to persist until September 4. The report noted that monsoon currents from the Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal were penetrating the upper and central parts of the country and were likely to strengthen overnight. Additionally, a westerly wave is impacting the upper regions of Pakistan.

The PMD predicts rain, wind or thundershowers in several areas, including Kashmir, Murree, Galiyat, the Pothohar region, Mandi Bahauddin, Gujrat, Gujranwala, Hafizabad, Sialkot, Narowal, Lahore, Sheikhupura, Kasur, Sahiwal, Pakpattan, Toba Tek Singh, Jhang, Faisalabad, Khushab, Sargodha, Mianwali, Layyah, Bhakkar, Multan, Khanewal, Dera Ghazi Khan, Bahawalpur, Bahawalnagar, Khanpur, Kot Addu and Rahim Yar Khan districts, on Tuesday. Isolated heavy rainfall is also anticipated during the period.

The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) reported that intermittent rains are expected on September 3 and 4, with water levels in all rivers and canals of Punjab currently at normal levels.

However, a few hours of rain exposed the shortcomings of Lahore's drainage system, causing significant waterlogging in low-lying areas, including Township, Green Town, Johar Town, China Scheme, Kacha Jail Road, Ghousia Colony, Firdous Market and old neighbourhoods in the north of the city.

The resulting water accumulation led to traffic disruptions and long queues of vehicles even on main roads.

In Model Town, several blocks, particularly Block A, experienced flooding, with residents reporting that water drainage had not been ensured even hours after the rain had ceased. Several frustrated citizens called upon the authorities to take immediate action to address the situation.

On Tuesday, rains are expected in Rawalpindi, Attock, Chakwal, Jhelum Mandi, Bahauddin, Gujrat, Gujranwala, Khushab, Sargodha, Mianwali and Chiniot.

There is a possibility of thunderstorms in Lahore, Kasur, Narowal, Sahiwal, Toba Tek Singh, Faisalabad, Jhang and Mianwali.

Intermittent rains are expected till Wednesday in the districts of Bahawalpur, Bahawalnagar, Khanpur, Dera Ghazi Khan, Multan, Layyah, Rajanpur and Rahim Yar Khan in South Punjab.

The flow of water in River Indus, Chenab, Ravi, Jhelum and Sutlej was at the normal level.

Hill torrents in Rajanpur and Dera Ghazi Khan were also normal. The water level in Mangala Dam was 79 per cent and Tarbela Dam 100%.

However, there is a risk of flooding in rivers due to heavy rains in the upper areas of Punjab during the coming couple of days.

The PDMA issued an alert to the administrations and departments concerned in view of the possible heavy rains. It issued a warning of increased flow at Mangla upstream in the Jhelum river. The PDMA also issued a low-level flood alert for the Indus river. There is a risk of flooding in water channels adjacent to the Ravi and Chenab.

The PDMA issued an alert to the commissioners of Gujranwala, Sargodha, Dera Ghazi Khan, Faisalabad, Rawalpindi, Gujrat and Multan divisions. Alerts were also issued to the deputy commissioners of Bhakkar, Khushab, Mianwali, Layyah, Kot Addu, Muzaffargarh, Rajanpur, Jhelum, Gujrat, Mandi, Bahauddin, Sialkot, Narowal, Hafizabad, Chiniot, Jhang, Toba Tek Singh and Khanewal.

PDMA Director General Irfan Ali Kathia issued instructions to the administration to be alert for a risk of urban flooding. He was there is a fear of urban flooding due to possible heavy rains in big cities.