Two die in roof collapse in Barkhan as monsoon showers pound Punjab, Balochistan

Although monsoon rains that lashed several parts of the country, especially north-east Punjab and Balochistan, on Saturday provided relief to the people from extremely hot and humid weather, yet at the same time it did not come without a cost as two persons died when the roof of a house collapsed in Barkhan area of Balochistan, reported 24NewsHD TV channel on Sunday.

According to the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA), after two more deaths, the death toll in rain-related incidents in the province rose to six.

It rained cats and dogs in other parts of the province as well such as Bedi, Zhob, Sorab, Bazaar, Mashi in Awaran.

Quetta to Dera Ismael Khan road was closed for all kinds of traffic after heavy rain pounded Zhob and suburban areas.

Likewise, showers were also reported from all areas of tehsil Jhao and sub-tehsil Korak, consequently flooding streams and nullahs and severing road links.

Weather turns pleasant in Lahore following yesterday’s rain

Following yesterday’s thundershowers in Lahore, the first of the monsoon season, the weather was windy and cloudy in the city on Sunday morning.

Yesterday’s rain brought down the temperature in the city as the minimum temperature was recorded at 27 degrees Celsius, while the maximum temperature was expected to go up to 39 degrees Celsius.

The level of humidity in the air in the morning stood at 27 per cent while winds were blowing at the speed of 77 kilometers per hour.

The Met Office, on the other hand, forecast more rain for the city during the next 24 hours.

Heavy rain that lashed different parts of the provincial capital on Saturday brought smiles to people’s faces as it was after a long time that the city received rain that offered a respite to the heat-stricken Lahorites, although a temporary one.    

Areas of the city such as Gulberg, Jail Road, The Mall and Samanabad were completely drenched.  

Same was the situation at Lakshmi Chowk, Allama Iqbal Town and Baghbanpura.

Rain in Narowal turns Narowal into pool of water

Similarly, the downpour that lasted for just half an hour in Narowal inundated the low-lying areas.

Several localities of the city were under two to three feet of water, creating great inconvenience for the people.  

Zafarwal Road, Imambargah Road and Old Kutchehry Road were completely submerged.

Intense heat, humidity persist in Karachi

Although it was partly cloudy in Karachi on Sunday morning, still it was hot and humid.

The level of moisture in the air was recorded at 70 per cent while the maximum temperature in the port city was expected to reach 37 degrees Celsius later in the afternoon.

On Saturday, PDMA Director General Irfan Ali Kathia pointed out that this year the region was expected to receive 35% more rainfall than usual, raising concerns about potential urban flooding.

Kathia stressed the urgency of completing all preparatory measures before the onset of the monsoon. “The forecast indicates an unusually high volume of rain, which necessitates thorough preparations to protect communities and infrastructure,” he stated.

In response to the heightened risk, PDMA has intensified efforts to clean rivers and canals to ensure smooth water flow and minimize the risk of flooding. “Our teams are working around the clock to clear obstructions and improve drainage systems,” Kathia added.

PDMA DG Irfan Ali directed the deputy commissioners across the province to remain alert and said that the relevant departments should remain alert to deal with emergencies.

The district emergency operation centres of all the districts including the provincial control room have also been alerted.

The PDMA put on alert Rescue 1122 and other agencies and asked authorities concerned to ensure water drainage from residential areas at the earliest.

It stressed citizens should be careful and be away from power poles and hanging wires. It added children should not be let go near water that accumulates in low-lying areas

Reporters: Fatima Khan, Yasir Arafat, Isa Tarin