Heavy monsoon rains wreaked havoc across Punjab in the past 24 hours, claiming nine lives and injuring 92 people in various rain-related incidents.
According to Rescue 1122, Bahawalnagar was among the worst-hit areas. Three minors lost their lives there, while 17 others were injured in separate incidents caused by the rain. In Okara, two teenagers, including a girl, died, and 12 people were injured.
In Lahore, three people died and eight were injured as a result of the downpour. Pakpattan reported three injuries, and Sahiwal reported four. In Bhakkar, one man died and three others were hurt in similar rain-related incidents.
Other cities also faced damage. Faisalabad and Muzaffargarh each reported two injuries. Toba Tek Singh recorded four injuries, Kasur three, Dera Ghazi Khan two, and one person each was injured in Rajanpur, Sialkot, and Mianwali.
The emergency services remained active throughout the province. Rescue workers, along with local administrations, responded to incidents and helped clear blocked roads and remove rainwater from low-lying areas.
In Lahore, the weather turned pleasant after spells of moderate to heavy rain. Lakshmi Chowk received the highest rainfall at 31mm. Other areas like Samanabad, Qartaba Chowk, and Iqbal Town received between 15mm and 19mm.
Water and Sanitation Authority (WASA) teams worked all day to clear rainwater from roads and underpasses. Several power feeders of the Lahore Electric Supply Company tripped due to the rain.
The Lahore administration activated its monsoon response plan. Deputy Commissioner Syed Musa Raza ordered the immediate removal of water from all flooded areas. Advisory messages were issued to the public, warning against unnecessary travel and urging caution near electricity poles and wires.
The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) forecasts more rain for Wednesday. Heavy rain is expected in cities including Lahore, Rawalpindi, Faisalabad, Sahiwal, and Multan. Murree and nearby hilly areas may also face landslides.
The PDMA has warned of possible flooding in rivers and low-lying areas. People are advised to take precautions, especially those living in old or mud houses.
Authorities have been directed to stay alert and ready for any emergency. The PDMA emphasized that rainwater should not be allowed to collect in urban areas.
