Pakistan: Record-Breaking Rain Floods Lahore

Lahore: Lahore experienced heavy rains on Thursday that broke a 44-year-old record in just three hours, resulting in the deaths of four people and injuries to at least seven others, according to Dawn.

Flight Disruptions and Power Outages
The severe weather caused significant disruptions, including delays for six flights between Lahore and Karachi. The Civil Aviation Authority staff worked tirelessly to clear the runway and surrounding areas. Additionally, power outages affected the city as 410 feeders of the Lahore Electric Supply Company tripped.

Hospital and Infrastructure Damage
The relentless rain led to water damage in several hospitals, including Services Hospital, General Hospital, and Mayo Hospital. Rainwater inundated emergency departments and other wards, destroying medicine and equipment, and flooding the parking area of the General Hospital.

Struggles with Blocked Sewers
Residents in Mughalpura, Tajpura, and Garhi Shahu faced difficulties due to blocked sewers, likely clogged with excessive garbage. Many vehicles broke down and became stranded in the heavy rain.

Fatalities Extend Beyond Lahore
In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, two people died due to flash floods in Upper Chitral and Abbottabad districts. A farmer and a young girl were washed away. Relief activities were underway in Sorech village, which was impacted by a glacial lake outburst, leaving 60 families homeless.

Future Weather Concerns
The Pakistan Meteorological Department warns that the incessant rain may continue until August 6, with above-normal rainfall expected in Lahore for the first two weeks of August. Director General Mahr Sahibzad Khan indicated a potential flood situation if the rains persist, with concerns over the Chenab River swelling.

(With ANI inputs)