Monsoon Deluge Paralyzes Lahore as Urban Flooding Submerges DHA and Cantonment Areas
LAHORE: A fresh spell of monsoon rains has brought life in Lahore to a standstill, triggering severe urban flooding across the city. Record rainfall of 262 millimeters at Lahore’s airport inundated several upscale and low-lying areas, including Defence Housing Authority (DHA), Cantonment, Walton, and Cavalry Ground, with water entering homes, disrupting traffic, and affecting flight operations.
According to media reports, the city’s drainage system was overwhelmed by the torrential downpour. Rainwater entered houses in Blocks A, B, and C of DHA Phase III, while Main Defence Road, Walton Road, and Cavalry Ground’s main thoroughfares resembled flowing streams. The Defence Underpass was completely submerged, forcing the suspension of traffic movement.
In Lahore Cantonment, the failure of the sewerage system led to several feet of standing water in Ali View Gardens, Ali Park, and Nadra Abad. Major roads remained waterlogged, resulting in massive traffic congestion and leaving commuters stranded for hours.
The Pakistan Meteorological Department reported that the highest rainfall was recorded at Lahore Airport with 262 millimeters, followed by 200 millimeters in Manawan, 151 millimeters in Tajpura, 142 millimeters in Kahna, 129 millimeters in Shadipura, 127 millimeters in Mughalpura, and 111 millimeters at Upper Mall. Other areas recorded 80 millimeters in Johar Town, 60 millimeters at Chowk Nakhuda, 54 millimeters in Nishtar Town, 51 millimeters in Iqbal Town, 49 millimeters in Gulberg, and 45 millimeters on Defence Road.
Additional rainfall measurements included 29 millimeters in Samanabad, 26 millimeters each on Jail Road and Pani Wala Talab, 24 millimeters in Lakshmi Chowk and Farrukhabad, 21 millimeters in Saggian, and 17 millimeters in Gulshan-e-Ravi. The Met Office has forecast intermittent rainfall throughout the day.
Heavy rain in and around Allama Iqbal International Airport also disrupted flight operations. At least six domestic and international flights to and from Karachi, Dubai, Jeddah, Abu Dhabi, and Istanbul were delayed. Airport authorities have advised passengers to confirm their flight schedules before departing for the airport.
The latest monsoon spell has once again highlighted Lahore’s vulnerability to urban flooding, despite ongoing efforts to improve the city’s drainage infrastructure.
