Lahore was thrown into chaos on Thursday as torrential rainfall lashed the city for over six hours, submerging streets, collapsing homes, and claiming five lives. The downpour, which began at 5 AM and continued until 11:30 AM, left low-lying areas severely flooded, with Nishtar Town recording 182mm—the highest in the city. Residential areas like Dharampura, Shah Jamal, and Choburji saw knee-deep water, forcing families to evacuate as rainwater entered homes.
The storm turned deadly when roof collapses killed two children—5-year-old Fatima and 2-year-old Arham—in Sheikhupura, while a 55-year-old woman (Salma Bibi) and a 12-year-old boy (Sujawal) died in separate incidents in Pattoki. In Lahore, a young boy was electrocuted while bathing in a rainwater-filled plot near Lari Adda. Emergency services scrambled to respond as wall collapses were reported across Lahore, Okara, and Sheikhupura.
Major roads, including Ferozepur Road, Canal Road, and Kalma Chowk, were inundated, with underpasses completely submerged. WASA teams worked non-stop to drain water, but many areas remained inaccessible. Meanwhile, LESCO reported power outages on 142 feeders, disrupting electricity in multiple neighborhoods. The utility warned citizens to avoid exposed wires and poles amid ongoing restoration efforts.
Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz commended rescue teams and directed 24/7 drainage operations. The Met Office predicted intermittent monsoon rains until July 13, with Lahore, Jhelum, Sialkot, and Narowal bracing for more downpours. Authorities urged residents to avoid unnecessary travel and report emergencies promptly as the city struggles to recover.