Authorities told to stay alert as Met department predicts further rain in Lahore
Lahore authorities have been told to stay vigilant as the Met department on Thursday predicted more rain in several cities of Punjab, including the provincial capital, where overnight rain inundated roads in several areas.
The heaviest downpour was seen in the Lakhsmi Chowk area where 186mm of rain was recorded.
The managing director of Lahore's Water and Sanitation Agency (Wasa) has directed officials and staff to remain in the field in order to keep the situation under control.
Meanwhile other cities in Punjab also witnessed rain through the night into the early hours of Thursday, causing submerged roads and traffic blockages. According to the Met department, more rain-wind-thundershowers (with isolated heavy falls) were expected in Rawalpindi, Jhelum, Attock, Chakwal, Talagang, Murree, Sialkot, Gujrat, Gujranwala, Kasur, Sargodha, Faisalabad, Toba Tek Singh, Mianwali, Jhang, Narowal, Lahore and Sahiwal.
Rain and thunderstorm is also expected in Multan, Layyah, Bhakkar, Bahawalpur, Bahawalnagar and D.G. Khan.
5 of a family die
In Mandi Bahauddin, five family members were killed after the roof of their house collapsed due to rain earlier today.
Rescue services recovered the bodies of the victims, including four children and a woman. Phalia Circle Deputy Superintendent of Police Hafiz Mohammad Imtiaz said that the roof was in a poor state and had collapsed due to rain.
Punjab Chief Minister Usman Buzdar took notice of the incident and demanded a report. The deputy commissioner and district police officer, while reviewing the rescue operation, extended their condolences to the family.
CM Buzdar directed authorities in Punjab to "remain vigilant" and provide immediate relief in case of any untoward incident caused by rain, Radio Pakistan reported.
He further said that quick drainage of water should be ensured and the situation be monitored.
Earlier this week, the Met Office said heavy rainfall may generate flash flooding in nullah/streams of Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Azad Jammu and Kashmir on Thursday and Friday.
Following predictions of heavy rainfall, Islamabad and Rawalpindi authorities were also directed to stay on high alert.
With additional input from Mahar Taimoor.
