Heavy rain turns Lahore into Venice

Lahore: Thunderstorm with gusty winds followed by heavy rains hit the city and its surrounding areas Wednesday morning flooding the low lying areas and city bazaars and streets. More than 300 LESCO feeders tripped and power went off.

Number of streets and roads turned into ponds including Lakshmi Chowk,Shadbagh, Badami Bagh,Gulberg,Canal Underpasses, Shahdara,Ravi Road,Shafiqabad, Azam Garden,Lawrence Road,Mozang Road.

Punjab Chief Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif has ordered immediate drainage of rainwater from low-lying areas of various cities including Lahore. He directed the administration and authorities concerned that all out resources should be utilized for the disposal of rainwater from low lying areas and senior officials of administration and concerned institutions should monitor the disposal work of rainwater. He further said that a report should be submitted to the Chief Minister’s Office after completion of the work.

The Chief Minister while seeking a report regarding rain situation and relief activities directed that officers should monitor disposal work of rainwater and other activities in field instead of sitting in their offices. He said that all out steps should be taken for maintain a smooth flow of traffic and drainage of rainwater should be ensured at the earliest so that citizens should not face any difficulty.