The Punjab province has experienced heavy rains for the past few days due to monsoons that brought about some relief from hot and humid weather. Besides other areas, Lahore, the capital city of Punjab, experienced storms and rain, which cooled the air.
There has been intermittent rainfall in Lahore. Yesterday night, heavy rains and strong winds pounded many areas, including Abbott Road, Lakshmi Chowk, Shalimar, Garhi Shahu, Mall Road, Canal Road, Harbanspura Sanda, and Islambadpura. This not only lessened temperature but also disturbed daily routines. Waterlogging occurred in low-lying areas, leading to traffic jams and commuting problems. Moreover, as the power supply was affected by this storm, there was a momentary blackout or power breakdown in many cities of Lahore.
Heavy rainfall has also been reported in the Capital City, Islamabad, and its twin sister city, Rawalpindi. And Murree Jhelum Muridke Gujranwala Attock Wazirabad, among other cities in the Punjab region. Showers in these places have made the weather comfortable and moderate; however, they waterlogged streets, turning them into temporary canals and causing inconvenience for pedestrians and vehicles alike. Last night’s nonstop rain switched off multiple feeders in Attock, blackening the entire town and surrounding areas. These incidents revealed the exposed loopholes within our infrastructure facilities, highlighting our level of preparedness for such climatic conditions.
However, Azad Kashmir fared worse than anywhere else. Torrential downpours flooded houses, causing massive discomfort and potential property damage. Additionally, stormy weather uprooted electric poles and trees, worsening an already complex situation by disrupting the electricity supply and endangering residents’ lives.
The Meteorological Department indicates that heavy rains will persist until 7 July. In hilly places, increased water levels in rivers and streams can lead to floods brought about by heavy rains. These include Lahore, Sialkot, Gujranwala, Narowal, Rawalpindi, Faisalabad, and Peshawar, which are susceptible to flash flooding. The department further advised people on preventive measures and keeping themselves updated with weather alerts.
Another cause for concern in hilly areas of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is likely to be heavy rains. The meteorological department has warned the local administration concerning the risks of landslides induced by intense or prolonged rainfall. This implies we must prioritize preparation to significantly reduce losses during natural calamities such as floods or landslides.
But this monsoon season is not all good news; it also comes with challenges. At the same time, it feels good to have some cooler temperatures after excessive heat, power outages, waterlogging, flood threats, and landslide hazards remain. However, authorities are working against these consequences, so residents should remain cautious and attentive. It will be essential for us to keep ourselves updated, especially during this rainy period, because anything could happen. And we need to stay safe until it ends ultimately without any harm.
