LAHORE: A strong windstorm followed by heavy to moderate rain brought relief from hot and humid conditions in the city on Thursday night. It uprooted several trees and disrupted power supply to most parts of the city.

According to the Met office, rain was witnessed in Mirpur, Jhelum, Gujrat, Gujranwala, Mandi Bahauddin, Wazirabad, Nowshera Virkan, Hafizabad, Pindi Bhattian, Sheikhupura and some other cities.

Meanwhile, the Water and Sanitation Agency is taking measures to manage potential flooding and ensure smooth drainage operations.

According to the monsoon control room at Wasa Head Office, the first spell of rain began at 9:18pm and was ongoing at 10:45pm. The rainfall measurements were reported at Jail Road and Qurtaba Chowk 7mm, Wasa Head Office, Gulberg, and Paniwala Talab 6mm, Lakshmi Chowk and Gulshan-i-Ravi 5mm. Several other areas, including airport, Upper Mall, and Tajpura recorded between 2 and 4mm of rain.

The PDMA has directed divisional commissioners to implement flood contingency plans.

“Current models show this system will linger on until Sunday,” PDMA Director General Irfan Ali Kathia stated during a press briefing.

“We’re particularly concerned about urban flooding in Lahore and wind damage in Gujranwala division.”

Authorities reported 14 incidents of tree uprooting and flooding of some underpasses.

Published in Dawn, May 2nd, 2025