Severe rain and hailstorm disrupt southern Punjab as farmers brace for crop losses
LAHORE: Punjab experienced a strong spell of rain and hail over the past 24 hours, affecting multiple districts and raising concerns for wheat crops and orchards nearing harvest. Faisalabad recorded the highest rainfall at 46mm, with Gulistan Colony receiving 32mm and the Wasa Head Office recording 31mm. Other affected areas include Noorpur Thal (34mm), Fort Munro (32mm), Bhakkar (18mm), Murree (16mm), and various parts of Rawalpindi, Multan, and Khanewal.
The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) has warned that this weather pattern may continue through Wednesday, urging all departments to stay on high alert. Southern districts faced the brunt of the storm, with hail and strong winds causing visible damage to ripened wheat and fruit orchards. Farmers in Multan, Kot Addu, Layyah, Muzaffargarh, Dera Ghazi Khan, Lodhran, and Khanewal reported significant crop losses, intensifying fears of reduced yields this season.
Urban centers also felt the impact, with rainwater accumulation in low-lying areas prompting municipal authorities to initiate emergency drainage measures. In Lahore, Commissioner Maryam Khan inspected key locations, including Ferozepur Road and Qartaba Chowk, while Wasa teams ensured underpasses and major roads remained clear. Similarly, Multan’s Wasa operations were placed on high alert, with disposal stations and field teams actively managing rainwater drainage.
Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz directed all administrative departments to remain vigilant, emphasizing the need for full deployment of Wasa machinery and modern equipment to prevent urban flooding. Meanwhile, sanitation teams in Lahore continued cleaning operations along major roads to maintain public safety and cleanliness amid ongoing rainfall.
The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) predicts cloudy weather with intermittent rain, windstorms, and thunderstorms expected to continue in regions including Kashmir, Murree, Galiyat, Rawalpindi, Attock, Chakwal, Jhelum, Sargodha, Mianwali, Faisalabad, Jhang, Toba Tek Singh, Khushab, Noor Pur Thal, Gujrat, Gujranwala, Hafizabad, Mandi Bahauddin, Sialkot, Narowal, Lahore, Pakpattan, Okara, and Kasur. The Pothohar region, Kashmir, and northeastern Punjab districts may experience heavy rainfall and hail, posing further risks to agriculture and urban infrastructure. Authorities have advised farmers to take all possible precautionary measures and remain alert, while emergency services stand ready to respond to any incidents caused by the ongoing weather disturbances.
