Several areas flooded as rains hit Lahore, Rawalpindi
Army troops have been put on alert in Rawalpindi and were seen on the streets to respond instantly for rescue efforts
August 25, 2017
RAWALPINDI/LAHORE: Rainwater entered the premises of Benazir Bhutto International Airport as heavy downpour with gusty winds lashed the twin cities and adjoining areas early Friday.
Despite the passage of several hours, the airport authorities were not able to drain out the rainwater from the departure lounge, creating inconvenience for passengers as their luggage was completely drenched.
Rawalpindi's Holy Family Hospital's dengue ward was also flooded with rainwater.
The rainwater also entered houses and streets of Rawalpindi's low-lying areas and accumulated in markets, causing losses to shopkeepers.
In Jama Masjid area of the city, shopkeepers were forced to take out water from their stores on their own.
The rain also disrupted electricity supply in both the cities, which could not be restored in several localities for hours.
Army troops have been put on alert in Rawalpindi and were seen on the streets to respond instantly to rescue calls.
The Nullah Leh, a stream which runs through the garrison city, rose by a few feet.
A rain emergency has been imposed in the hospitals to avoid any unforeseen development.
Moreover, a section of the boundary wall of the government degree college in Satellite Town also collapsed due to the rain.
In Lahore, several areas of the city, including major arteries, were inundated due to the rain.
Jinnah Hospital's out-door, emergency and other wards were also flooded with rainwater after the heavy rains.
Teams of the Water and Sanitation Agency said they are working to drain the accumulated rainwater from the city's streets.
Punjab Chief Minister Shehbaz Sharif directed authorities to ensure no standing water is left in Rawalpindi, Lahore and other areas affected by the rain.
According to Pakistan Metrological Department (PMD), Chaklala and Shamsabad areas of Rawalpindi received 72mm, 54mm rainfall respectively; meanwhile, in Islamabad: Bokra received 45mm, Golra received 36mm and Zero Point area received 22mm rainfall.
The PMD in its weather forecast for next 24 hours predicted that rain-thunderstorm accompanied by gusty winds is expected at scattered places in upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (Malakand, Hazara, Peshawar, Kohat, Mardan divisions), upper Punjab (Rawalpindi, Gujranwala, Sargodha, Lahore divisions), Islamabad, FATA and Kashmir.
Rain-thunderstorm with gusty winds is also expected at isolated places in Gilgit-Baltistan, Bannu, Faisalabad and Sahiwal divisions.
Hot and humid weather is expected elsewhere in the country.
