Lahore Breaks 44-Year Rain Record, Over 400 Power Feeders Trip; Emergency Declared

Lahore: Lahore has shattered a 44-year rain record with unprecedented rainfall, causing widespread disruptions and flooding. More than 400 power feeders have tripped, leading to extensive power outages across the city. In response, a rain emergency has been declared, and all government offices and educational institutions have been closed.
The Meteorological Department reported that Tajpura recorded 315 mm of rain, while Lahore Airport saw 337 mm. Other areas also experienced significant rainfall, with figures including 250 mm in Nishter Town, 226 mm in Paniwala Talaab, 220 mm in Johar Town and Tajpura, and various other localities receiving substantial precipitation.
Heavy rainfall has led to severe flooding in residential areas, with water infiltrating homes and inundating roads and highways. The rainwater has also breached the emergency departments of Services and Mayo Hospitals, severely affecting patient care.
In addition to the power outages, the torrential rains have caused fatalities. Two people, including a child, have died in Lahore due to electrocution and a roof collapse. The child was killed in Gajumata after a house roof collapsed, while a person in Nasht Colony was electrocuted by a power pole.
Across Punjab, cities such as Sheikhupura, Kasur, Pakpattan, Sargodha, Jhelum, Murree, Rawalpindi, and Islamabad are also facing heavy rains and localized flooding. In Rawalpindi, a young woman drowned in a seasonal drain while riding a scooter. Rescue teams are conducting a search operation for the 20-year-old woman.
In Sargodha, two children drowned in stagnant rainwater while bathing. The victims, 12-year-old Adnan and 10-year-old Qamar, were found dead by locals who later received assistance from rescue workers.
The Pakistan Meteorological Department has forecast severe monsoon rains across the country until August 6, with more potential for flooding and weather-related incidents.