16 die as heavy rain pummels Punjab
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As strong monsoon currents are penetrating in upper and central parts of the country with westerly waves, heavy rain spell lashed Punjab’s capital and other cities in which at least 16 people were killed and several others were injured on Thursday, reported 24NewsHD TV channel.
Pakistan Meteorological Department predicted more rain-wind-thundershowers (with isolated heavy falls) are expected in Lahore, Sahiwal, Rawalpindi, Jhelum, Attock, Chakwal, Talagang, Murree, Sialkot, Gujrat, Gujranwala, Kasur, Sargodha, Faisalabad, Toba Tek Singh, Mianwali, Jhang and Narowal while rain-thunderstorm is also expected in Multan, Layyah, Bhakkar, Bahawlapur, Bahawalnagar and DG Khan.
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According to 1122 Rescue service, the roof of an old house collapsed in Ibrahim Colony in Lahore’s Harbanspura area killing four people and injuring five others.
According to Monsoon Control room, Wasa Lahore, rainfall recorded in Jail Road 118mm, Airport 97mm, Head Office Wasa Gulberg 97mm, Lakhsmi Chowk 189mm, Upper Mall 141mm, Mughalpura SDO Office 84mm, Tajpura SDO Office 176mm, Nishter Town 155mm, Chowk Naskhuda 143mm, Pani Wala Talab 168mm, Faruukhabad 158mm, gulshan-e-Ravi 160mm, Iqbal Town SDO Office 131mm, Johar Town SDO Office 106mm, and Punjab University 130mm.
Punjab Chief Minister Usman Buzdar directed officials to clear the water in their supervision wherever water has inundated areas. While, Water and Sanitation Agency (Wasa) Managing Director Syed Zahid Aziz said within three hours water will be cleared from the roads.
The TV channel reported Lahore’s fruits and vegetables market Badami Bagh inundated with rain water disrupting the trading activities.
Wasa staff have also not been able to reach at Model Town Katcheri and Ferozpur Road where water has inundated the area completely.
Secretary General Anjuman-e-Tajiran Sabzi Mandi Saddam Athar Khan said, “If the issues pertaining to Lahore Waste Management Company (LWMC) staff and drainage were not resolved we will protest.”
Traders said they pay millions of rupees in taxes to the government but the vegetable market still is in this condition. “Due to the heavy monsoon spell, the middlemen are forced to set up a market outside the vegetable market while district administration and staff of the market committee are reportedly missing forcing traders to discard vegetables,” the TV channel reported.
Saddam Athar Khan commented, “After a few hours of rain, the main vegetable market began to look like a pond.”
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Due to the heavy rain, a tree fell in Township area of Lahore and locals demanded LESCO to carry out an operation as soon as possible to remove electricity wires that can potentially cause damage to citizen’s lives.
Pakistan Railways also stopped Farid Express at the Kot Lakhpat Station due to the latest monsoon spell.
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On the other hand, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s Vice Chairman Lahore Development Authority (LDA) Sheikh Imran said, “Lawrence Garden underground water tank filled today, after 166 mm torrential rain. This is 1.4 million gallons of water that will be used for horticultural activities Insh’Allah.”
“Extra water can be pumped to the drain. Three more such underground tanks have been approved by LDA/WASA,” he added.
Lawrence Garden underground water tank filled today, after 166 mm torrential rain. This is 1.4 Million Gallons of water that will be used for horticultural activities InshAllah.
— S.M. Imran (@SMImranPK) August 20, 2020
Extra water can be pumped to the drain.
3 more such underground tanks have been approved by LDA/WASA pic.twitter.com/Nnhbq0XIRi
He said, “All Wasa officers and staff have been in the field since midnight. Well done.”
Lahore rains quickly come in top trends on social networking website Twitter also:
Can i get 1000 Rts and appreciation for Wasa Lahore..
— Waqas Amjad ( محترم ) (@waqas_amjaad) August 20, 2020
Lakshmi Chowk where 189 mm of rain and 24 inches of pounding cleared in two hours
Before After pic.twitter.com/3R41FOP9zY
Fatehgarh Bridge cleared. pic.twitter.com/crKxQAoPZR
— Sheikh Imtiaz Mehmood (@SheikhImtiazPK) August 20, 2020
Before and after pictorial evidence at outside Bhatti gate pic.twitter.com/p02h45tHvY
— Sheikh Imtiaz Mehmood (@SheikhImtiazPK) August 20, 2020