Over 350mm torrential rains break 44-year record in Lahore

Over 350 millimetres of torrential rainfall in Lahore on Thursday caused widespread flooding and chaos in the provincial capital.

According to the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD), the rainfall has broken the 44-year-old record in the city.

Lahore's airport received the highest amount of rain at 357mm, followed by Pani Wala Talab (314mm), Nishter Town Director Office (299mm), Farrukhabad (275mm), Johar Town SDO Office (270mm), Iqbal Town SDO Office (260mm), Tajpura SDO Office (258mm).

Rescue 1122 reported that 2 people were killed and 7 others were injured in various accidents during the rain, including electrocution and roof collapses.

People encountered immense trouble as rainwater accumulated in a large number of areas in the metropolis.

Social media users took to the microblogging site X to share the deteriorating condition of the city.

Service hospital flooded because of heavy rain in #Lahore. pic.twitter.com/BeZ1DgDTeb

— Sheharyar Goraya (@goraya_) August 1, 2024

In response to the situation, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has issued an alert and instructed administrative officers and WASA officials to immediately drain the water. 

She has also directed the use of all resources for rainwater drainage and ensured that traffic flow is maintained.