LAHORE: Residents faced hardships due to accumulated rainwater on roads in major cities of central and northern Punjab.

Photos shared on social media and corroborated by a Dawn correspondent showed the Shamsi Underpass in Gujranwala’s Civil Lines area completely submerged on Wednesday, making it impossible for traffic to pass through.

Rainwater accumulated in different areas of Lahore, including Kareem Block Market, Johar Town, Township, Ferozepur Road, Multan Road, Samanabad, Gulshan-i-Ravi, Lakshmi Chowk, Model Town and other major roads and streets across the city.

Several photos and videos shared on social media showed roads inundated in Lahore, leaving commuters stranded. Videos posted on social media platform X showed cars wading through knee-deep water on major roads across the city. Social media users also reported prolonged power outages in areas that received rainfall over the past 24 hours.

However, Wasa claimed that no water accumulation was reported on most major roads and intersections, according to a statement.

The statement said real-time monitoring of citywide drainage operations was being conducted from the monsoon control room.

“Teams are mobilised for immediate cleaning of main drains and channels to provide relief to citizens,” stated Wasa director general while conducting field monitoring in Gujranwala.

According to Lahore Wasa, rainwater drainage efforts were underway in 41 districts, while authorities are continuously monitoring rivers, dams and barrages.

All Punjab Wasa field teams are on high alert, with directives issued to ensure the swiftest possible drainage of rainwater, the Wasa Punjab director general said, adding that public convenience was the top priority. He advised citizens to avoid unnecessary travel and contact the relevant authorities in case of an emergency.

In Gujrat, Wasa said 20 of its emergency teams remained continuously engaged in drainage operations across the city’s three zones. Traffic flow was normal on major roads, Gujrat Wasa claimed.

Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has appealed to the public not to risk their lives by going near or bathing in canals, rivers and rainwater drains during the monsoon season and flood conditions.

Published in Dawn, July 23rd, 2026