On Thursday, Pakistan’s second-largest city, Lahore, experienced an unprecedented amount of rainfall, leading to widespread flooding of homes and hospitals.
Some areas of the city, situated near the border with India, recorded a staggering 353 millimeters (14 inches) of rain within a few hours, surpassing the previous record of 332 millimeters set in July 1980.
Official Statements and School Closures
Farooq Dar, the deputy director of the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD), described the event as “record-breaking rainfall” in the region. Due to the extreme weather, schools and colleges in Lahore were closed.
Fatality and State of Emergency
Tragically, at least one person died in Lahore due to electrocution caused by the flooding.
The city’s commissioner declared a state of emergency, ordering all schools and offices to remain closed for the day.
Impact on Hospitals and Cleanup Efforts
The heavy downpour swiftly inundated streets, and rainwater even entered some wards of Jinnah and Services hospitals in Lahore, disrupting patient care.
An official in Lahore assured that the government has mobilized all available resources to ensure cleanup operations are underway both in the hospitals and throughout the city.
Casualties in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
The mountainous northwestern province of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa also experienced heavy rainfall over the past three days, resulting in at least 24 fatalities, according to the provincial disaster management authority.
Monsoon Season and Climate Change
Heavy rainfall is a common occurrence in the region during the monsoon season, which typically spans from June to September in Pakistan.
However, the country, particularly the southern and northern regions, faced catastrophic rainfall in 2022.
Scientists have attributed this extreme weather event to climate change, which is causing long-term shifts in weather patterns.
Similar Events in Neighboring India
Neighboring India has also recently grappled with the devastating effects of heavy rains.
In the southern state of Kerala, landslides triggered by torrential downpours have claimed the lives of over 180 people.