Lahore (Staff Report): At least eight people were dead and a dozen got injured in various incidents of electrocution and roof collapse as the heavy showers flooded Punjab’s provincial capital.
The rainfall that according to the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) was recorded to be 214-millimeter in 24 hours – the heaviest since 1980 – brought life in Lahore to a standstill, turning roads into virtual rivers, stranding commuters and causing loss of properties.
Apart from Lahore, on the other hand, Sheikhupura, Gujranwala, Sahiwal, Okara, Multan, Jhang, Chiniot, Peshawar, Mardan, and Islamabad also experienced significant rainfall.
According to the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD), Lahore, Gujranwala, Rawalpindi, Faisalabad, Sargodha, Kohat, Zhob, Bannu, Dera Ismail Khan, and Dera Ghazi Khan are forecasted to receive heavy rain today (Wednesday).
A nine-member technical committee has been formed to ascertain reasons for a sinkhole — 20 feet deep and 200ft wide — appeared on the Mall Road, in front of the General Post Office (GPO), with another one of 50ft appearing at some distance.
The committee was constituted at a meeting which was presided over by caretaker Transport Minister Mian Nauman Kabir at the Civil Secretariat.
The committee is headed by housing department’s additional secretary technical. Its members include Nespak and Wasa managing directors, and LDA and MCL senior officials concerned.
Giving the committee 48 hours to complete its task of identifying the real cause of the incident and fix responsibility, the minister said those found responsible for it would be punished.