Monsoon Fury: Record-Breaking Rainfall Devastates Lahore

Monsoon rains hit Lahore, breaking a 44-year record for maximum rainfall in a day and causing severe flooding in streets, homes, and hospitals. Three people lost their lives in Pakistan’s Punjab province, and more rains are expected. The situation prompted the suspension of flight operations and power outages.

Monsoon rains on Thursday shattered a 44-year record for maximum daily rainfall in Lahore, leading to massive flooding in streets, homes, and even public hospitals in the capital of Pakistan's Punjab province, also resulting in three fatalities, officials reported.

More rains are forecasted in the coming days, with authorities warning of moderate to high flooding in the Jhelum River at Mangla. Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) spokesperson Mazhar Hussain confirmed that the Lahore airport area recorded 337 millimeters of rainfall.

The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) noted that strong currents from the Arabian Sea and Bay of Bengal are expected to induce torrential rains across the northern regions of the country from August 1 to 6, with intermittent breaks. The rain caused widespread flooding, electricity outages, and disrupted flight operations in Lahore. Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has called for round-the-clock operations to drain inundated areas. Rising water levels in rivers, dams, and streams were also observed, with high-level flooding expected in the Jhelum River. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province has seen 24 rain-related deaths since July 29, bringing the month's total to approximately 100 fatalities nationwide.

(With inputs from agencies.)