Lahore, Pakistan’s second-largest city, has been hit by record-breaking rainfall, resulting in devastating consequences. The city received 360 millimeters of rain, breaking a 44-year record, and causing widespread flooding, power outages, and damage to infrastructure.
At least four citizens, including a girl, lost their lives, and seven others were wounded in separate incidents of electrocution and roof collapse. The heavy downpours brought disasters to the provincial capital, prompting the city’s commissioner to declare an emergency and announce the closure of offices and schools.
Chief meteorologist Sardar Sarfaraz termed the rains “torrential” and forecasted more downpours across the country from August 1 to 6. The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has predicted a wetter-than-usual monsoon season this year, with experts warning that Pakistan is vulnerable to extreme weather due to climate change.
The government has deployed machinery to drain the water, with Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Sharif stating that “the entire government machinery is in the field”. However, the situation remains dire, with roads submerged, traffic and businesses brought to a standstill, and hospitals and homes flooded.
The summer monsoon brings vital rainfall to South Asia, but changing weather patterns are putting lives and livelihoods at risk. Pakistan has already experienced a succession of heatwaves and unprecedented monsoon rains, which displaced millions of people and cost $30 billion in 2022.
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