Heavy monsoon rains flood Lahore, disrupting life and causing sinkholes

Lahore experienced severe disruption as heavy monsoon rains lashed the city on Thursday, leading to widespread water accumulation and paralyzing routine life. Commuters faced significant difficulties as rainwater remained stagnant on major roads, intersections, and underpasses across the provincial capital.

Despite assurances from the district administration and the Water and Sanitation Agency (WASA) that drainage operations were underway on an emergency basis, residents reported three to four feet of standing water on streets and submerged underpasses. Traffic movement slowed considerably. The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) reported that Lahore received 343 millimeters of rain over the past 48 hours and warned of potential urban flooding during the ongoing monsoon spell.

Rainwater accumulated in over 130 locations, severely impacting traffic flow. Low-lying areas, main roads, and underpasses were the most affected. The Ghazi Underpass and Masjid Chowk Underpass were closed, forcing traffic diversions. Areas like DHA Phases 1 to 5, Harbanspura, Mall Road, Cooper Road, Lakshmi Chowk, and Chouburji Chowk also saw significant waterlogging, with WASA teams conducting drainage efforts.

The persistent urban drainage issues were evident as water entered homes in low-lying neighborhoods. Citizens complained that authorities had not adequately addressed the water removal from their homes and streets. The heavy rainfall also caused deep sinkholes, approximately 10 square feet, to appear on several roads, leading to partial road collapses. The PDMA noted that 21 people have died and 154 have been injured in rain-related incidents across Punjab during the current monsoon season.