Low-lying areas hit by waterlogging as heavy rain disrupts Lahore
Heavy rain causes widespread waterlogging
Heavy rain affected several parts of Lahore, leaving major roads, streets and underpasses flooded. Motorists faced difficulties while pedestrians struggled to cross waterlogged areas.
The rain also slowed normal traffic in many parts of the city. Low-lying localities were among the worst affected as rainwater accumulated on roads and streets.
According to Water and Sanitation Agency (Wasa) data, Lahore received an average of 24.6mm of rain. The highest rainfall was recorded at the airport, where 104mm of rain was reported.
Kahna received 75.6mm of rain, while Hadiara Defence Road recorded 62.6mm. Manawan received 58.6mm, followed by Tajpura with 40.2mm and Mughalpura with 32.8mm.
Shadipura received 28.4mm, while Nishter Town recorded 28mm of rain. Chowk Nakhuda and Johar Town each received 11mm, while the Wasa head office in Gulberg recorded 10.8mm.
Wasa starts emergency drainage work
Rain was also reported in Farrukhabad, Tajpura, Defence Phase-VI, Shadipura, Saggian, Lakshmi Chowk and nearby areas. Harbanspura and several other localities also received heavy showers.
The rainfall brought relief from the intense heat and made the weather cooler. However, waterlogging created difficulties for residents and again highlighted the drainage problems in low-lying parts of Lahore.
Wasa deployed field teams and heavy machinery at several locations to remove accumulated rainwater. Managing Director Ghufran Ahmed inspected drainage work at Mubeen Shaheed Underpass, Noor Jehan Road, MM Alam Road, Main Boulevard Gulberg, Qaddafi Stadium and Liberty Chowk.
He also visited Kalma Chowk Underpass, Garden Town Water Tank, Usman Block Emergency Relief Camp and Usman Block Disposal Station. Officials said drainage operations continued at waterlogged locations and generators were being used at disposal stations affected by power outages.
Wasa Vice Chairman Chaudhry Shehbaz Ahmed also inspected drainage operations at Shalimar Link Road, Bhagwanpura, Baghichi Sethan, UET, Ek Moriya, Do Moriya and Chowk Na Khuda. Officials said teams remained active in affected areas to clear rainwater as quickly as possible.
Traffic police issue safety warning
Earlier, Chief Traffic Officer Abdul Rahim Shirazi directed supervisory officers to remain in the field and monitor traffic and low-lying areas. Traffic officials were also told to coordinate with Wasa for faster drainage from waterlogged roads.
Traffic police advised motorists to drive slowly and maintain a safe distance from other vehicles. Drivers were also asked to avoid sudden braking because wet roads can become slippery.
Motorcyclists were advised to wear helmets and avoid unnecessary overtaking during rainfall. Citizens were also told to check the depth of standing water before entering flooded roads.
Authorities warned people to stay away from electric poles, transformers, fallen power lines, trees and weak walls during heavy rain. Citizens were also advised to avoid under-construction structures and other potentially dangerous locations.
The rainfall provided welcome relief from the heat, but the waterlogging showed that heavy showers can quickly affect movement in Lahore. Low-lying areas remain particularly vulnerable when large amounts of rain fall within a short time.
Wasa’s drainage operations can reduce the disruption if water is cleared quickly. However, better drainage capacity and regular maintenance could help reduce the impact of similar rainfall in the future.
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