Severe dust storm, rain plunge Lahore into darkness

A powerful dust storm followed by heavy rainfall struck parts of Lahore on Saturday evening, enveloping the city in near-total darkness well before sunset as dense clouds and strong winds swept in from Islamabad.

The storm began around 4 PM when dark clouds started gathering over the city. Within minutes, Lahore was engulfed by a fierce dust storm that drastically reduced visibility, forcing drivers to switch on headlights and streetlights to navigate the roads.

By 5 PM, the skies had darkened so significantly that the city resembled night-time. Many motorists pulled over, fearing for their safety as strong winds battered the area.

The storm brought with it heavy rain in various parts of the city, resulting in fallen trees and collapsed walls. Rescue officials confirmed that at least three people were injured in related incidents.

In one case near Bhobtian Chowk on Raiwind Road, a wall collapsed due to the strong winds, injuring two young men — 25-year-old Usman and 20-year-old Husnain — who were later taken to hospital.

Heavy rain was reported in several areas, including Lakshmi Chowk, Ravi Road Subdivision, Sheranwala Gate, Misri Shah, Baghbanpura, Shad Bagh, Shahdara, and the City Subdivision.

Rainfall also occurred in Gulberg, Tajpura, Mustafa Abad, Gujjarpura, LDA Avenue One, Johar Town, Sabzazar, and Islam Pura, resulting in waterlogged roads and major traffic disruptions across the city.

Motorways Temporarily Closed

As a precautionary measure to prevent accidents amid strong winds, dense clouds, and reduced visibility, the Motorway Police temporarily closed several major highways. Motorway M-2 was closed from Thokar to Kot Momin, and Motorway M-3 from Faizpur to Darkhana.

Officials also confirmed the closure of the Sialkot Motorway due to hazardous weather conditions.

CM Maryam Nawaz Issues Emergency Orders

Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif directed local administrations and rescue services to remain on high alert amid continued storms and heavy rainfall.

Taking notice of flooding in low-lying areas of Rawalpindi and other cities, the Chief Minister instructed administrative officials to take immediate action. She emphasised the urgent need for drainage to minimise disruption and health risks.

In a public statement, Maryam Nawaz ordered WASA officials in Rawalpindi to personally oversee operations in the field. “All available resources must be mobilised to ensure proper drainage and public safety,” she stated.

She also called on local authorities to proactively communicate with citizens and raise awareness about safety measures during the ongoing weather emergency.

Authorities on Alert

In anticipation of worsening weather conditions, WASA Managing Director Ghafran Ahmed issued directives to keep all staff and machinery on high alert, responding to forecasts from the Meteorological Department predicting further storms.

Director General of the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA), Irfan Ali Kathia, instructed deputy commissioners and rescue agencies across the province to remain vigilant and prepared for emergencies.

He confirmed that the provincial control room and all district-level emergency operation centres have been placed on alert, with the PDMA’s control room conducting 24/7 monitoring.Kathia urged citizens to exercise caution. “People should avoid standing near electric poles, hanging wires, trees, and billboards,” he said.

“Take shelter in safe areas to protect yourself from lightning strikes.”He also advised the public to avoid open spaces during thunderstorms, refrain from unnecessary travel, and drive slowly. Citizens in need of assistance can contact the PDMA helpline at 1129.