LAHORE: A strong windstorm followed by heavy to moderate rain brought relief from hot and humid conditions in city on Thursday night. It uprooted several trees and disrupted power supply to most parts of the city.

According to the Met office, rain was witnessed in Mirpur, Jehlum, Gujrat, Gujranwala, Mandi Bahauddin, Wazirabad, Nowshera Warkaan, Hafizabad, Pindi Bhattian, Sheikhupura and some other cities.

Meanwhile, the Water and Sanitation Agency (WASA) is taking measures to manage potential flooding and ensure smooth drainage operations.

According to the Monsoon Control Room at WASA Head Office, the first spell of rain began at 9:18pm and was still ongoing at 10:45 pm. The rainfall measurements were reported at Jail Road 7 mm, Qurtaba Chowk 7 mm, Head Office WASA, Gulberg 6 mm, Pani Wala Talab 6 mm, Lakshmi Chowk 5 mm and Gulshan-e-Ravi 5 mm. Several other areas, including Airport, Upper Mall, and Tajpura recorded between 2 to 4 mm of rain.

WASA Managing Director Ghufran Ahmed immediately mobilised field teams and inspected critical locations, including Mubeen Shaheed Underpass, Kalma Chowk Underpass, Main Boulevard Gulberg and Liberty Chowk.The PDMA directed divisional commissioners to implement flood contingency plans. `Current models show this system will linger on until Sunday,` PDMA Director General Irfan Ali Kathia stated during a press briefing. `We`re particularly concerned about urban flooding in Lahore and wind damage in Gujranwala division.

Authorities reported 14 incidents of tree uprooting and flooding of some underpasses.

-Staff Reporter