Lahore: A record-breaking 263 millimeters of rainfall in a single spell inundated Lahore on Thursday, bringing the city to a standstill. Major roads, residential neighborhoods, and underpasses were submerged, causing severe traffic disruptions and widespread flooding across the provincial capital.
According to the Water and Sanitation Agency (WASA), the highest rainfall of 263mm was recorded in the Lahore Airport area. Other rainfall measurements included 157.4mm in Tajpura, 143mm in Kahna, 136mm in Shadipura, 133mm in Mughalpura, 116mm on Mall Road, 112.2mm in Manawan, 81mm in Johar Town, and 64.6mm at Chowk Nakhuda.
Several major roads were inundated with feet-deep water, leaving numerous cars and motorcycles stranded. In Defence Housing Authority (DHA), floodwater accumulated to such an extent that boats were seen navigating through flooded streets, highlighting the severity of the situation.
Authorities said water levels in one DHA underpass rose close to the roof, while the Harbanspura Underpass was closed to traffic after being completely flooded. In Tajpura and several other low-lying neighborhoods, rainwater entered homes, causing significant hardship for residents.
The heavy rainfall also led to fatal accidents. Near Kahna on Ferozepur Road, a motorcycle skidded on the wet road and crashed into a utility pole, killing two brothers. In a separate incident, the roof of a house in DHA Phase 4 collapsed, leaving four people injured.
Emergency teams continued drainage operations in low-lying areas, while authorities urged residents to avoid unnecessary travel and exercise caution until floodwaters recede.
