Incessant Rain Turns Lahore Into Flood Zone, Power Outages and Casualties Reported Across Punjab

LAHORE – July 9:
Torrential rain continued to hammer cities across Punjab on Thursday morning, bringing Lahore to a near standstill with widespread flooding, power outages, and tragic loss of life.

The downpour began in the early hours and continued without pause until after 10:30 am, inundating low-lying areas and major roadways. Lahore, in particular, witnessed severe waterlogging as its outdated drainage infrastructure collapsed under record rainfall.

According to data, Nishtar Town received a staggering 178mm of rain, followed closely by Iqbal Town and Paniwala Talab at 175mm each. Other areas like Samanabad and Naulakha recorded over 100mm.

Casualties and Structural Damage
Two people were confirmed dead in separate roof collapse incidents in Lahore. A 50-year-old man, Bashir, died in Nishtar Colony, while a two-year-old girl, Zainab, lost her life near the railway station. At least eight others were injured in similar incidents across the city.

Rain-related accidents were also reported from Gujranwala, Okara, and Wazirabad, where electrocution and structural collapses added to the growing toll.

Electricity Supply Disrupted
The Lahore Electric Supply Company (LESCO) confirmed that over 250 feeders tripped, plunging large sections of the city into darkness. Affected areas included Gulberg, Shah Jamal, Santnagar, Wagah, Manga Mandi, Islampura, and more.

Hospitals and Roads Submerged
The emergency ward at Jinnah Hospital reported water accumulation, while several central roads like PIA Road, WAPDA Town, and Township were rendered impassable. Even court premises were inaccessible due to waterlogged access routes.

Chief Minister Orders Emergency Response
Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif issued immediate directives for drainage and road clearance across affected cities. She instructed WASA officials to be on ground and personally monitor operations.

“Ensure swift water drainage and implementation of monsoon SOPs,” the CM ordered, highlighting the urgency of urban flood management.

Rain Hits Across Provinces
Other cities across Punjab — including Faisalabad, Gujranwala, Pakpattan, Narowal, and Kharian — also recorded heavy rainfall and flooding.

In Sindh, cities like Dadu, Shikarpur, and Jacobabad experienced similar deluges, with water entering homes and roads submerged. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) also reported rising water levels in streams and nullahs.

Forecast: More Rain Ahead
The Pakistan Meteorological Department has forecast continued thunderstorms and strong winds across northeast and central Punjab, KP, Islamabad, Gilgit Baltistan, and parts of Balochistan over the next 24 hours.

Emergency services remain on high alert as urban flooding continues to paralyze daily life across the region.