Heavy rain inundates parts of Lahore, disrupts traffic

LAHORE: Heavy rain lashed Lahore on Tuesday, inundating several low-lying areas and major roads, disrupting traffic across parts of the city as authorities deployed additional personnel to manage congestion and expedite drainage operations.

Rainwater accumulated on a number of key thoroughfares, including roads around Mayo Hospital, Mall Road, Lakshmi Chowk, Circular Road and the Lahore Zoo, slowing traffic and causing inconvenience to commuters.

One of the worst-hit areas was Professor Ashfaq Ali Road near the Lahore Metropolitan Corporation office, where standing water significantly affected the flow of vehicles.

The Lahore City Traffic Police said that additional traffic wardens had been deployed across the city to ensure the smooth movement of traffic during the rainfall.

Chief Traffic Officer (CTO) Syed Abdul Rahim Shirazi directed circle officers to remain in close coordination with the Water and Sanitation Agency (WASA) to facilitate the timely drainage of rainwater from inundated roads.

He also ordered the deployment of extra traffic personnel at all underpasses along Canal Road, where water accumulation frequently causes traffic disruptions during heavy rain.

According to the CTO, additional traffic wardens have also been stationed in low-lying areas to assist motorists and regulate traffic, while all divisional and circle officers have been instructed to remain in the field and monitor the situation until normal traffic flow is restored.

WASA officials said drainage operations were under way in affected areas, with teams working to clear stagnant water from roads and improve traffic conditions.

The rain brought relief from the recent spell of hot and humid weather but also exposed drainage challenges in several parts of the provincial capital, where even moderate rainfall often leads to waterlogging and traffic congestion.

Authorities urged motorists to exercise caution, avoid unnecessary travel through flooded roads, and follow traffic police advisories until water is cleared from affected areas.