LAHORE — A spell of heavy monsoon rain drenched parts of Punjab on Thursday, offering long-awaited relief from days of stifling heat and humidity — but also causing urban flooding, power outages, and traffic chaos in several low-lying neighbourhoods.
The downpour, which began overnight and extended into the early hours, lashed areas across Lahore including Jail Road, Kalma Chowk, Ferozepur Road, Anarkali, Model Town, Johar Town, Green Town, Township, Cantt, DHA and Thokar Niaz Beg. Water pooled quickly on main roads, submerging underpasses and slowing down the morning commute.
According to the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD), the rain was caused by active monsoon currents combining with a westerly wave — a pattern that’s expected to persist over the coming days.
Rain gauges recorded 70mm of rainfall at Lahore Airport and 52mm in the city centre over the past 24 hours. Other cities also saw significant rainfall: Saidpur received 61mm, Khanewal 51mm, and Sahiwal 44mm.
While the rain provided a welcome break from searing temperatures — which reached 41°C in Bahawalpur — the weather turned cold in the hills, with Murree dropping to 13.5°C, the lowest in the country.
The PMD has issued forecasts for continued rain, wind, and thunderstorm activity across wide swaths of the country through the weekend. The affected areas include Lahore, Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Faisalabad, Multan, Sargodha, much of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Kashmir.
However, the relief came at a cost.
Tragedy Strikes Amid Flooded Streets
In a tragic incident reported near Loha Market, a young boy lost his life after being electrocuted while playing in standing rainwater.
Rescue officials said the unidentified child had been bathing in the accumulated water when he came into contact with an exposed electric current, possibly from a submerged wire or street pole. Emergency services reached the scene, but the child had already succumbed to the shock.
The tragedy highlights ongoing safety hazards in urban areas during monsoon season, especially where drainage systems are poor and live wires are not insulated properly. Locals in the area urged the city administration to take urgent steps to prevent such incidents in the future.
Flood, Landslide Alerts Issued
Meanwhile, authorities have warned of the potential for flash floods and landslides, especially in hilly and mountainous regions. The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has advised citizens in vulnerable zones to remain alert and avoid unnecessary travel during peak rainfall hours.
While the rain has cooled tempers and temperatures, officials are reminding the public that monsoon season, though vital for agriculture, often comes with its own set of dangers — especially in poorly planned urban centres.
