LAHORE: Torrential rain which followed a windstorm lashed Lahore and its surrounding areas on Sunday, breaking the spell of intense humidity.

The rain brought a welcome change in weather across the provincial capital, with areas like Lakshmi Chowk, Shimla Pahari, Abbott Road, Davis Road, Mall Road, Shadman, Gulberg, Scheme Mor, Mughalpura, Dharampura, Allama Iqbal Town, Wahdat Road, Muslim Town, Shahdara, Mozang, Chauburji, Sham Nagar, Islampura, Bund Road, Civil Secretariat, and Anarkali experiencing significant rainfall.

The storm disrupted Lahore Electric Supply Company’s (Lesco) distribution system, causing 178 feeders to trip leading to power outages in many areas.

The Met office says strong moist currents from Arabian Sea and Bay of Bengal are penetrating upper parts of the country. A westerly wave is also affecting upper parts of the country.

The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has issued a flood alert for various parts of the country.

The NDMA reported that from June 26 to 28, rainfall in Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Sindh resulted in 38 fatalities and 43 injuries.

In Lahore, a 50-year-old motorcyclist was killed, while his wife and son riding pillion were injured when a billboard fell on them.

The windstorm also uprooted many trees, particularly along the Canal Road disturbing the traffic flow.

In response to the looming threat, the Punjab government has activated its Monsoon Emergency Plan 2025. Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has called for an hourly report on its implementation.

A Punjab government spokesperson said the chief minister had directed to establish a 24-hour District Emergency Operation Centers in every district. The Provincial Disaster Management Authority has also issued guidelines to prevent accidents and minimise damage.

Published in Dawn, June 30th, 2025