07 dead due to record-breaking rain in Lahore
File Photo
Lahore, The Gulf Observer: At least 07 people were reported dead in Lahore as the provincial capital saw its heaviest rainfall in 30 years on Wednesday causing significant urban flooding and power outages.
Taking note of the unfolding situation, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has directed the Punjab government to take urgent measures and mobilise the rescue teams amidst heavy rains in the province.
The prime minister called for coordinated efforts by the district administration, Rescue 1122, Provincial Disaster Management Authority, and municipal and other departments, saying that all possible measures should be taken to protect the citizens’ lives, according to a PM Office statement.
He instructed the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) and other federal departments to extend maximum support to the Punjab government if required.
PM Shehbaz said that the necessary steps should be taken to alert the citizens of any emergency situation, chalk out alternate traffic plans and make arrangements for proper drainage.
He also instructed authorities to take preventive measures in the wake of the monsoon rains in other parts of the country, besides asking the NDMA and PDMAs to coordinate necessary arrangements.
The premier further stressed that all possible steps should be taken to relocate the people from villages to safe locations besides saving their cattle and livestock.
Similarly, he said all necessary measures should be taken to prevent urban flooding.
The prime minister also directed to mobilise the respective administrations of Gilgit Baltistan, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and other hilly areas, besides instructing to keep the PMO updated on all measures taken.
Record-breaking rain
The rain began around 4am this morning, leaving large portions of the city submerged and wreaking havoc in all low-lying and posh areas of the city.
According to the data, the highest amount of rainfall was recorded at the heart of Lahore in the area of Lakshmi Chowk where 291 mm rain fell in 10 hours.
Meanwhile, Jail Road recorded 147 mm, while in the Airport area it stood at130 mm, at Head Office Gulberg the rain was recorded at 210mm, Upper Mall at 199mm, in Mughalpura at 220mm, in Tajpura at 249mm, in Nishtar Town at 280mm and in Chowk Nakhuda 205 at mm.
More than 200 mm of rain was recorded in over a dozen areas across the city.
