LAHORE: The Water and Sanitation Authority (Wasa) said on Friday that it had cleared rainwater from various parts of the city following unprecedented rainfall on Thursday morning.

The heavy downpour led to significant water accumulation on streets and alleys, breaking 44-year rainfall records in many areas.

Wasa’s disposal operation continued uninterrupted during and after the rain, effectively clearing major points within six to seven hours. Areas such as GPO, Railway Station, Empress Road, Cooper Road, Shah Jamal, Lytton Road, Ek Morya Pull, Allah Ho Chowk, Johar Town, and Chauburji saw swift water drainage.

Additionally, Qartaba Chowk, Tikka Chowk, Lakshmi Chowk, Rasool Park, Mall Road, Davis Road, Barkat Market, Gulberg, Shadman, and Lawrence Road were also cleared.

Wasa Managing Director Ghufran Ahmad highlighted the agency’s special efforts to prevent inconvenience to citizens. He commended the utilisation of all available resources in the drainage operation, which allowed for an exceptionally rapid response to the unprecedented rain.

Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz praised the administration and Wasa officials for their commendable performance. She lauded the commissioner, deputy commissioner, Wasa officials, and allied staff members for their dedication and diligence.

“Draining rainwater within a few hours from the city is a remarkable and splendid performance,” she said, expressing confidence that these institutions would continue to facilitate the public with excellent performance in the future.

Meanwhile, the Punjab Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) issued a warning of medium to high-level flood risks in hill torrents.

Heavy rains could lead to high-level flooding in the hilly areas of Mount Suleiman, with a possibility of moderate to high-level flooding in the rivers of the Dera Ghazi Khan region over the next 72 hours.

The PDMA has alerted the Dera Ghazi Khan commissioner, DCs, and local administration to prepare for potential flooding. Instructions have been issued to the irrigation department, health department, Rescue 1122, livestock, and other relevant administrations to complete advance arrangements.

Relief Commissioner Nabil Javed emphasised the importance of ensuring safety measures and timely rescue and relief operations in anticipation of possible floods. He advised that settlements along rivers and mountains be relocated to safer areas to prevent loss of life.

PDMA Director General Irfan Ali Kathia conveyed a crucial message from the chief minister, urging people not to risk their lives in flood situations and to heed safety instructions from authorities.

Published in Dawn, August 3rd, 2024