The city of Faisalabad is grappling with severe disruption after heavy monsoon rains broke a 30-year-old record, causing widespread flooding and submerging low-lying localities. The unprecedented downpour has led to a critical situation, with several areas experiencing rainfall measurements far beyond ordinary levels, overwhelming the city’s drainage capacity.
According to rainfall data, the highest precipitation was recorded in Ghulam Muhammadabad, which received 184mm of rain. This was closely followed by Allama Iqbal Colony with 175mm, Gulistan Colony with 170mm, Jail Road and adjacent areas with 167mm, and Dogar Basti and Madina Town localities with 154mm. The intensity of the rainfall has resulted in severe water accumulation across the city.
The consequences have been dire for residents, particularly in low-lying areas where entire neighborhoods have been submerged. In several localities, rainwater was seen flowing directly through houses, creating extremely hazardous living conditions. This forced many inmates to either stay on their roofs for safety or urgently relocate to safer places to escape the rising water levels.
The record-shattering rainfall has exposed significant vulnerabilities in the city’s urban infrastructure and disaster preparedness. The scale of flooding indicates that existing drainage systems were completely overwhelmed, leading to one of the most severe rain-related emergencies Faisalabad has faced in decades. Local authorities are likely to face significant challenges in managing the aftermath and providing relief to affected communities.
