At least 3 killed in rain-related incidents across Punjab; parts of Lahore inundated

LAHORE: At least three persons lost their lives while three were injured in incidents related to rain in various parts of Punjab on Monday, whereas heavy monsoon rains created waterlogged conditions on different streets in several cities, disrupting traffic flow and movement of people.

The Flood Forecasting Division (FFD) of the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) had predicted heavy to very heavy rainfall in some parts of Punjab, Sindh and Balochistan from July 29 to Aug 4.

As per the loss and damage report of the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA), a person was killed and another injured due to collapse of a house in Uch Sharif in Bahawalpur district, while two children drowned in Khushab district.

Two persons were also injured in collapses of roofs in Mandi Bahauddin and Lodhran districts, while a house was damaged in Bahawalpur.

Nine more deaths were reported in incidents not connected with rain or floods. In these incidents, one child lost his life in Kot Addu, a man died in Narowal and Attock, respectively, while four children died due to suffocation in a car in Mianwali.

However, according to a PDMA official, all these nine deaths have nothing to do with the rain and floods, while these people were drowned in attempts to take bath or swim in canals and rivers.

PDMA DG Saif Anwar Jappa has directed all deputy commissioners to keep themselves prepared for any eventuality as heavy rains will continue until Aug 5.

He said that the chief minister herself was keeping an eye on the whole situation, whereas she had instructed all district administrations, Rescue 1122, Water and Sanitation Agency (Wasa) and relevant departments to remain on alert.

Jappa further said that the Provincial Control Room and District Emergency Operation Centers had already been activated.