Heavy rain disrupts traffic, floods low-lying area…
Heavy rainfall disrupted routine life across Lahore on Saturday, leaving several roads, underpasses and low-lying neighbourhoods inundated and causing difficulties for motorists and pedestrians.
The downpour led to significant water accumulation in different parts of the city, slowing traffic and making several routes difficult to navigate. Residents in low-lying areas faced particular inconvenience as rainwater gathered on streets and roads.
According to rainfall figures recorded by the Water and Sanitation Agency (Wasa), Lahore received an average of 24.6 millimetres of rain. The highest rainfall was recorded at Lahore Airport, where 104mm was reported.
Kahna received 75.6mm, while 62.6mm was recorded at Hadiara Defence Road and 58.6mm at Manawan. Rainfall was also recorded in Tajpura, Mughalpura, Shadipura, Defence Phase-VI, Farrukhabad, Saggian, Lakshmi Chowk, Chowk Nakhuda and other areas.
Although the rain provided relief from the prevailing heat and brought cooler weather, waterlogging created problems for commuters and once again highlighted the challenges faced by Lahore’s low-lying areas during heavy showers.
Wasa Lahore mobilised field teams and heavy machinery to remove accumulated water from affected locations. Officials continued drainage operations at several underpasses, major roads and low-lying points across the city.
Wasa Managing Director Ghufran Ahmed inspected drainage activities at several key locations, including Mubeen Shaheed Underpass, Noor Jehan Road, MM Alam Road, Main Boulevard Gulberg, Qaddafi Stadium and Liberty Chowk. He also reviewed operations at Kalma Chowk Underpass and other emergency drainage facilities.
Officials said disposal stations in areas affected by power outages were being operated with generators to ensure that drainage work continued without interruption.
Wasa Vice Chairman Chaudhry Shehbaz Ahmed also inspected water drainage arrangements at several locations, including Shalimar Link Road, Bhagwanpura, UET and nearby areas.
Meanwhile, Chief Traffic Officer Abdul Rahim Shirazi directed traffic officials to remain present in the field and closely monitor traffic flow and vulnerable points during the rainfall.
Traffic police coordinated with Wasa teams to facilitate the removal of standing water and advised motorists to drive carefully on slippery roads. Drivers were urged to maintain a safe distance, avoid sudden braking and reduce speed.
Motorcyclists were advised to wear helmets and avoid unnecessary overtaking. Citizens were also warned against entering roads where floodwater appeared deep or unsafe.
