07 Jul 2023 | 04:55 AM UTC
Pakistan: Disruptions due to flooding ongoing across parts of Lahore as of July 7 /update 1
Flood-related disruptions ongoing across parts of Lahore, Pakistan, as of July 7. Casualties reported; further adverse weather forecast.
Event
Flood-related disruptions are ongoing across parts of Lahore as of July 7. Widespread flooding is ongoing after heavy rainfall since July 4. Authorities have reported at least 19 weather-related fatalities since July 5 due to collapsing debris and electrocution, including eight children that died when a landslide hit Shangla District in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province; search and rescue operations are ongoing. Reports also indicate more than 15 others injuries. Floodwaters have inundated several low-lying parts of the city, including the areas of Muslim Town, Garden Town, and Gulberg, due to the overflow of the Lahore Canal. Authorities have cut electricity supply to some affected areas as a precaution. Reports indicate power outages in parts of the city due to the heavy rainfall; authorities are likely to commence restoration works after weather conditions improve.
The Pakistan Meteorological Department has warned of further heavy rainfall across Lahore and much of the rest of Pakistan through at least July 8 due to the southwest monsoon. Thunderstorms, strong winds, and possible hail may accompany downpours. Further adverse weather could cause additional flooding and other weather-related disruptions in Lahore and hamper ongoing response and recovery operations.
Hazardous Conditions
Sustained heavy rainfall could trigger additional flooding in low-lying communities near rivers, streams, and creeks. Urban flooding is also possible in developed areas with easily overwhelmed stormwater drainage systems. Sites downstream from large reservoirs or rivers may be subject to flash flooding after relatively short periods of intense rainfall. Landslides are possible in hilly or mountainous areas, especially where heavy rain has saturated the soil. Power outages could occur throughout the affected area.
Transport
Floodwaters and debris flows may render some bridges, rail networks, or roadways impassable, impacting overland travel in and around affected areas. Ponding on road surfaces could cause hazardous driving conditions on regional highways. Authorities could temporarily close some low-lying routes that become inundated by floodwaters.
Severe weather could also trigger flight delays and cancellations at airports in affected areas. Flooding could block regional rail lines; freight and passenger train delays and cancellations are possible in areas with heavy rainfall and potential track inundation.
Localized business disruptions may occur in low-lying areas; some businesses might not operate at full capacity because of flood damage to facilities, possible evacuations, and some employees' inability to reach work sites.
Advice
Monitor local media for updates on road status and weather conditions. Confirm road status and seek alternative routes to reach destinations in the affected areas; allow additional travel time. Delivery disruptions are possible; consider delaying or rerouting shipments until road access normalizes. Do not drive on flooded roads. Charge battery-powered devices in the case of prolonged electricity outages.
