LAHORE:
Heavy rain accompanied by strong winds and hail storms swept across Lahore on Saturday, breaking a spell of intense heat but disrupting traffic and power supply in parts of the city.
The rain and hail also left several people injured due to accidents.
Dark clouds covered areas including Township, Model Town, Green Town, Iqbal Town, Garden Town, Gulberg, Mall Road, Garhi Shahu and adjoining localities before rain and gusty winds brought the temperatures down.
Residents welcomed the change in weather after days of warm conditions.
Nishtar Town received the highest rainfall with 30 millimeters. Lakshmi Chowk 26 mm, Chowk Nakhuda 24 mm, Mughalpura 23 mm and Upper Mall 22 mm while rainfall of 17 mm was recorded in Tajpura, Gulshan Ravi and Iqbal Town. Gulberg received 7 mm of rain.
The rain and hailstorm affected traffic flow in various parts of the provincial capital as motorists faced reduced visibility and waterlogging on the roads. In Wapda Town, a wall collapsed onto a rickshaw during the storm, injuring two people. Rescue 1122 shifted them to Jinnah Hospital.
More than 50 Lahore Electric Supply Company (Lesco) feeders tripped, while technical faults led to power outages in several other areas.
Lesco’s managing director said restoration work had begun once weather conditions improved. He added that electricity supply in the Lesco region remained in line with demand.
Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif directed all relevant departments to remain on high alert amid the rains and ensure the immediate drainage of rainwater.
She ordered continuous monitoring of storm drains, canals and other drainage channels, directed irrigation teams to closely monitor water flows and directed authorities to ensure that manhole covers were in place in both urban and rural areas. She also emphasized the implementation of safety measures to protect the public during adverse weather conditions.
The Chief Minister ordered enhanced safety arrangements at construction sites, close monitoring of vulnerable buildings and timely warnings of potential roof collapse risks. She directed the authorities to maintain smooth flow of traffic on major roads and directed Punjab Safe Cities Authority and City Traffic Police to remain on full alert.
Lahore Commissioner Maryam Khan directed all departments to ensure effective drainage arrangements as rainfall was monitored continuously at 16 locations across the city.
The commissioner directed the Water and Sanitation Agency to keep all machines operating and ensure backup systems remained available at disposal stations. Emergency crews were instructed to focus on low-lying areas, major roads and other rain-affected locations to prevent inconvenience to residents.
Meanwhile, the Pakistan Meteorological Department said weak moist currents from the Bay of Bengal were moving towards northeastern and eastern Punjab, while a high pressure system in the upper atmosphere is expected to persist for the next 36 hours. The department said most parts of the country are likely to remain hot and dry, although isolated rain, wind and thundershowers are expected in Kashmir, east and northeast Punjab and the Pothohar region. Heavy rain and hailstorms may also occur in some areas.
On Sunday, the Met Office expects mainly hot and dry weather across most of the country, with very hot conditions expected in Sindh and southern Balochistan. However, partly cloudy weather is likely in Kashmir, Pothohar and northeast Balochistan, while isolated rain and thundershowers accompanied by gusty winds may occur in southeast Punjab.
