In the early hours of the morning, Lahore experienced an extraordinary and record-breaking monsoon spell, leading to widespread urban flooding across the city. The heavy rainfall exposed the deficiencies in the sanitation system at the National Cricket Academy (NCA), compelling players to remain confined within the dressing rooms.
Amidst the challenging conditions, Shahnawaz Dahani, a renowned fast bowler currently present at the NCA, took a lighthearted jab at Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto. Dahani humorously trolled the situation by sharing a photo on his Twitter account, depicting the accumulation of water in front of the Players Block. The caption accompanying the photo read, “Jub zayada barish hoty hy To zyada pani ata he” (When there is heavy rainfall, more water comes). However, it is worth noting that the tweet has since been deleted.
The latest data released by the Monsoon Control Room, located within the Water and Sanitation Agency (WASA) Head Office in Lahore, reveals that Lakshmi Chowk received a staggering 291mm of rainfall thus far. The unprecedented amount of rainfall has overwhelmed the city’s drainage and sewerage systems, resulting in severe flooding and disruption of normal life.
As the situation unfolds, authorities are working tirelessly to address the aftermath of the monsoon spell. Efforts are being made to mitigate the effects of flooding and provide relief to affected areas. Residents are urged to exercise caution and follow safety instructions issued by local authorities.
The intense monsoon rains serve as a reminder of the need for robust infrastructure and efficient drainage systems in urban areas to cope with such weather events. The incident at the National Cricket Academy highlights the importance of ensuring adequate facilities and measures to safeguard the well-being of athletes and staff.
The city of Lahore, like many others in the region, remains vulnerable to the impact of monsoon rains. Continuous efforts are required to improve infrastructure, strengthen resilience, and enhance disaster preparedness to minimize the adverse effects of extreme weather events in the future.
