LAHORE: Four people have lost their lives and a child has been injured as heavy monsoon rains persistently lash parts of Pakistan, causing the collapse of a house roof in Lahore. This incident follows the previous day’s record-breaking rainfall, where the Lakshmi Chowk area of Lahore witnessed 291mm of rain in just 10 hours, resulting in seven fatalities.
The Pakistan Meteorological Department has issued a warning stating that heavy rain may lead to urban flooding from July 6 to 8 in several low-lying areas, including Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Lahore, Gujranwala, and Multan. There is also a possibility of landslides in vulnerable and hilly regions such as Murree, Galliyat, Kashmir, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Additionally, flash flooding is expected in hill torrents and streams of various areas during this period.
The recent casualties in Lahore occurred in the Chungi Amar Sidhu area, where rescue workers retrieved the bodies from the debris and rushed the injured child to the nearby General Hospital. Furthermore, 14 people were wounded, two of whom are in a serious condition, as the wall of a hospital in Mozang collapsed.
In Lahore, the highest amount of rainfall, recorded at 73mm, was observed in Nishter Town, followed by Johar Town with 64mm, Gulshan-e-Ravi with 48mm, and Paniwla Talab with 43mm, according to official data.
The heavy rainfall in Lahore and other regions is a result of the interaction between cold westerly winds affecting upper parts of Pakistan and moist currents from the Arabian Sea and Bay of Bengal reaching the central and upper regions of the country.
Weather Forecast for Next 48 Hours in Pakistan
The Meteorological Department predicts rain, wind, and thundershowers in various areas, including Kashmir, Gilgit-Baltistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Punjab, Balochistan, and Sindh over the next 48 hours. Additionally, isolated heavy rainfall is expected in Punjab, Islamabad, Kashmir, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and northeast Balochistan during this period.
The Flood Forecasting Division has issued a warning about the Chenab River, stating that heavy rainfall in catchment areas may lead to a significantly high level of flooding from July 8 to 10. The flood situation in the Ravi and Sutlej rivers will depend on water releases from India.
Satellite images have shown cloud cover over the upper and northeastern parts of Punjab, Kashmir, and adjoining areas of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, along with cloud development over the northeast of Balochistan.
The persistent heavy rains and the risk of flooding continue to pose a threat to the affected regions, highlighting the need for heightened precautions and preparedness.
