At least seven dead as heavy rainfall lashes across Punjab

LAHORE: At least seven people were killed and seven others sustained injuries as heavy monsoon rains lashed Lahore and other parts of the province on Wednesday.

Heavy downpour in different areas inundated roads and streets in the provincial capital as commuters faced immense difficulties in carrying out their routines.

Several feeders of Lahore Electric Supply Company (LESCO) tripped due to heavy rain in Lahore plunging half of the city into darkness. Pakistan Meteorological Department has predicted more rainfall in the next 24 hours.

Rain was also reported in other parts of the country including Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Joharabad, Khushab, Gujranwala, Sargodha, Faisalabad, Kasur, Jhang, Bhakkar, Sheikhupura, Nankana, Chiniot and other cities.

According to rescue sources, the roof of a house in Mandi Bahauddin collapsed, resulting in the death of five including a mother and her four children, aged between two to eight years. Another roof collapse incident in Sheikhupura claimed the lives of two and wounded seven others.

Chief Minister Punjab Usman Buzdar has taken notice and directed Water and Sanitation Agency (WASA) and local administration to immediately drain out rainwater from low-lying areas of Lahore. He warned authorities that no negligence would be tolerated and special arrangements should be ensured for smooth flow of traffic.