LAHORE: Light-to-heavy rain lashed several parts of Lahore on Thursday, bringing a respite from the intense heat, while strong winds and dust storms wreaked havoc in parts of south Punjab, damaging mango orchards and leaving at least eight persons injured.

According to the Water and Sanitation Agency (Wasa), the highest rainfall of 14.4mm was recorded in Gulshan Ravi, followed by Saggian (13.2mm) and Samanabad (11mm). Other areas that received rain included Lakshmi Chowk (8.2mm), Paniwala Talab (6.8mm), Upper Mall (6.2mm), Jail Road (6mm) and Gulberg Head Office (5.6mm).

As rain continued intermittently in parts of the provincial capital, Wasa launched emergency drainage operations to prevent urban flooding and water accumulation in the low-lying areas.

Windstorm leaves eight injured in south Punjab

Wasa Managing Director Ghufran Ahmed monitored the drainage operation.

Deputy Commissioner retired Capt Ali Ejaz directed assistant commissioners and other officials to personally supervise the drainage operations and ensure uninterrupted public relief efforts.

Meanwhile, strong winds and dust storms caused widespread damage in south Punjab, particularly to mango orchards, raising concerns among growers already expecting a reduced harvest due to adverse weather conditions.

In Khanewal, three persons were injured when a tree uprooted by strong winds fell on a motorcycle on Stadium Road.

In Muzaffargarh, a woman, a man and three children were injured in wall collapse incidents triggered by the windstorm.

Published in Dawn, June 5th, 2026