LAHORE: Rainfall in several parts of Lahore on Wednesday brought a temporary respite from the hot and humid weather conditions, but exposed the persistent drainage shortcomings, as water accumulated in some low-lying localities, disrupting traffic and causing inconvenience to commuters, despite emergency response by civic agencies.

Heavy rain lashed Harbanspura and adjoining areas, leaving roads and streets waterlogged. Residents complained that inadequate drainage arrangements led to water accumulation in several neighbourhoods, hampering traffic flow and routine movement of residents.

According to the Water and Sanitation Agency (Wasa), the highest rainfall of 45.8mm was recorded in Manawan, followed by Shadipura (23mm), Tajpura (15.8mm) and Mughalpura (7.6mm).

Other areas receiving rainfall included Farrukhabad (3.8mm), Kahna (2.8mm), Chowk Nakhuda (1.6mm), Pani Wala Talab (1.6mm), Lakshmi Chowk (1mm), Nishtar Town (0.2mm) and Saggian (0.4mm). The city’s average rainfall stood at 5.2mm, while Jail Road, Airport, Gulberg, Upper Mall, Gulshan-i-Ravi, Iqbal Town, Samanabad, Johar Town and Hadyara Defence Road remained dry.

Following the rain, Lahore Deputy Commissioner retired Capt Ali Ijaz directed Wasa and the district administration to remain alert and continue citywide drainage operations. Assistant commissioners and Wasa officials have been deployed in the field to supervise the drainage of rainwater, while machinery and de-watering pumps are sent to low-lying areas to speed up drainage.

The administration ordered that all major roads and underpasses should be kept free of rainwater and disposal stations remain fully operational with generator backup in areas affected by power outages. Special teams were also formed to clear rainwater from streets, neighbourhoods and link roads.

The DC warned that negligence in drainage operations would not be tolerated. He also advised people to avoid unnecessary travel during heavy rain and stay away from electricity poles, wires and electrical installations.

Meanwhile, Wasa Vice Chairman Chaudhry Shehbaz Ahmed, Director General Tayyab Farid and Managing Director Ghufran Ahmed directed officials to ensure uninterrupted drainage operation in the city. All town directors were instructed to closely monitor the situation in their respective jurisdictions.

Published in Dawn, August 6th, 2026