LAHORE – A sudden and intense dust storm followed by dark clouds engulfed Lahore on Tuesday evening, transforming broad daylight into near-total darkness by 5 PM, forcing drivers to switch on headlights and halt vehicles on roads amid near-zero visibility.
The weather phenomenon, which followed similar conditions earlier in Islamabad, began around 4 PM when heavy dark clouds rolled into the city. Moments later, a massive dust storm swept across various parts of Lahore, triggering panic among residents and commuters.
The storm was followed by heavy rainfall in several areas, including Lakshmi Chowk, Ravi Road, Sheranwala Gate, Misri Shah, Baghbanpura, Shad Bagh, Shahdara, Gulberg, Tajpura, Mustafaabad, Gujjarpura, LDA Avenue 1, Johar Town, Sabzazar, and Islampura. Rainwater inundated roads and streets, causing traffic disruptions across the city.
Amid the storm, several walls and trees collapsed, resulting in at least three injuries. Notably, near Bhobtian Chowk on Raiwind Road, a wall collapse injured two young men — 25-year-old Usman and 20-year-old Hasnain.
In response to the situation, DG PDMA Irfan Ali Kathia issued a province-wide alert to deputy commissioners and rescue agencies, directing them to remain vigilant and prepared for any emergency.
PDMA activated its provincial control room and district emergency operation centers, which are monitoring the situation 24/7.
Citizens were advised to stay away from electric poles, hanging wires, trees, and billboards, and to seek shelter indoors during lightning and severe weather.
The PDMA also urged the public to avoid unnecessary travel, drive cautiously, and call the emergency helpline 1129 for assistance.
Motorway Closures
Due to storm conditions, Motorway M-2 (from Thokar to Kot Momin) and Motorway M-3 (from Faizpur to Darkhana) were temporarily closed by Motorway Police to prevent accidents during the heavy winds and reduced visibility.
