Latest news with #Lahoris
Express Tribune
17-07-2025
- Climate
- Express Tribune
Punjab declares emergency as monsoon floods kill 33, injure over 170
Torrential monsoon rains have battered parts of Punjab over the past 24 hours, triggering widespread flooding, structural damage, and fatal accidents. At least 33 people have been killed and over 170 injured, according to a spokesperson from Rescue 1122, the province's emergency service. In response, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif declared a "rain emergency" across the province, including in Rawalpindi, where sirens were sounded and emergency measures activated. غیر معمولی طوفانی بارشوں اور سیلابی صورتحال پر پنجاب کے مختلف علاقوں میں رین ایمرجنسی نافذ کر دی گئی ہے۔ سرکاری ادارے جذبے اور انتہائی محنت سے کام کر رہے ہیں۔ انتظامیہ کو عوام کو بزریعہ سائرن اور اعلانات آگاہ رکھنے کی ہدایت کر دی گئی ہے۔ عوام اداروں سے تعاون کریں، حفاظتی ہدایات… — Maryam Nawaz Sharif (@MaryamNSharif) July 17, 2025 The provincial government has mobilised all relevant departments, including district administrations, police, and Rescue 1122, to respond to the crisis. Boats, ambulances, helicopters, and specialised rescue vehicles have been deployed to reach flood-affected areas where road access is impossible. The worst-affected cities include Lahore (13 deaths), Faisalabad (8), Pakpattan (4), and Sheikhupura (3). Single fatalities were reported in Okara, Nankana Sahib, and Sahiwal. Most victims were caught in building collapses, flash floods, and rain-related accidents. This is coming from different parts of Rawalpindi/Islamabad. The rain is nonstop and it has been two to three days with this. Please don't leave your house unnecessarily and offices are advised to allow work from home these days. Stay safe everyone. — SyedaSabaBatool (@TheSabaShahh) July 17, 2025 Rescue 1122 continues to operate in extreme conditions, with multiple roads submerged and communication lines disrupted. Field hospitals and medical response teams remain on high alert. The Punjab government has ordered public hospitals to remain on standby and set up 24/7 control rooms to manage flood response. Traffic police have been instructed to arrange alternate routes, and the general public is advised to stay away from canals, rivers, and low-lying areas and avoid venturing out unless necessary. Lahore alone received 136 mm of rain within three hours, breaking a decades-old record. The Water and Sanitation Agency (WASA) deployed over 400 pumps to clear water from roads. Lahore records 136mm rain in 3hrs, breaking decades-old record! @MaryamNSharif orders immediate action: WASA deploys 400+ pumps, Rescue 1122 clears roads. Punjab Govt sets up 24/7 control rooms to tackle urban flooding. Stay safe, Lahoris! #LahoreRain #PunjabResponse#SkyNani — Husnain (@Hus_Zulfiqar) July 10, 2025 Emergency response teams, including Rescue 1122, are clearing debris and restoring access in major cities. The Pakistan Meteorological Department reported alarming rain totals, with Islamabad receiving 193 mm, Rawalpindi 179 mm, and Mandi Bahauddin 167 mm. Chakwal and Jhelum also saw intense rainfall, with 142 mm and 81 mm, respectively. 🛑 چکوال میں کئی گھنٹوں سے مسلسل طوفانی ⚡⚡ بارشوں کے باعث سیلاب آگیا☔ ⛈️ سڑکیں دریا کا منظر پیش کرنے لگیں، کئی کئی فٹ پانی.. — (@Pak_Weather) July 16, 2025 Further intermittent rain is forecast over the next 12–20 hours, with some reduction in intensity expected. However, thunderstorms and strong winds are still likely in Islamabad, Pothohar, upper Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan, and parts of Balochistan and central and southern Punjab. CM Punjab has urged the public to cooperate with authorities, follow safety guidelines, and avoid risky areas to prevent further loss of life. She also appealed to the public to cooperate with the authorities, follow announcements and evacuation orders, and take every precaution to protect lives. As the rainstorms continue, emergency response teams remain on high alert, working around the clock to mitigate the effects of the devastating floods. Emergency services remain on high alert as rescue and relief efforts continue around the clock.
Express Tribune
22-06-2025
- Climate
- Express Tribune
Rain draws crowds to parks
Lahore Zoo visitors park their motorbikes at a stand. Citizens flocked to outdoor recreational spots after rainfall turned the weather pleasant on the weekly holiday. photo: nni A welcome spell of rain swept across Lahore on Sunday, providing much-needed respite from days of heat and humidity and prompting thousands of residents to head outdoors and enjoy the transformed weather. With cloudy skies and cooler temperatures, public parks across the city turned into bustling gathering spots. According to the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD), rainfall accompanied by gusty winds affected several parts of Lahore, including Abbott Road, Lakshmi Chowk, Shimla Pahari, Ferozepur Road, Kalma Chowk, Canal Road, Mall Road, Anarkali, Jail Road, Gulshan Ravi, Islam Pura, Township, Garden Town and Sabzazar. The rain, which reduced the day's temperature to 34 degrees Celsius, brought noticeable relief in humidity and improved air quality. Humidity levels were recorded at 70 per cent with wind speeds of 13km per hour. The temperature is expected to rise again to 36°C in the coming days. With the oppressive weather temporarily eased, residents made their way to outdoor spaces such as Jilani Park, Jallo Park, Lawrence Garden, Lahore Safari Park, Model Town Park and other local parks in different neighbourhoods. Families picnicked on the fresh grass, children played among the puddles, and joggers returned to long-abandoned tracks. "I couldn't stay indoors after the rain," said Sana Ali, a university student walking with friends in Jilani Park. "The breeze and the scent of the wet earth made everything feel alive again." Vendors in and around parks reported a surge in business as people lined up for corn, snacks, and ice cream in the breezy evening. In Lawrence Garden, elderly citizens and young couples strolled beneath the rain-washed trees, while Model Town Park saw groups of joggers, fitness enthusiasts, and families enjoying a long-awaited breath of fresh air. The PMD noted that moisture-laden currents from the Arabian Sea and Bay of Bengal are continuing to penetrate upper and central regions of Pakistan, supported by a westerly wave over northern areas. These weather patterns are likely to sustain intermittent rainfall over the coming days, particularly in upper Punjab, Islamabad, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, Kashmir, and Gilgit-Baltistan. In the past 24 hours, pre-monsoon showers were recorded across the region, including 91mm at Islamabad's Zero Point, 88mm in Mangla, and 58 mm in Rawalpindi at Shamsabad. Lahore received 3mm of rainfall. Despite the widespread showers, southern regions continued to experience intense heat, with Bhakkar, Sibi, and Dalbandin reaching highs of 47°C. Officials advised the public to remain cautious in low-lying areas due to the risk of water accumulation and urban flooding. For many Lahoris, however, Sunday's rain was not just a weather event -— it was a moment of shared joy. "This is what we wait for all summer," said Irfan Mehmood, a retired banker watching his grandchildren play in Model Town Park. "After days of stifling heat, today feels like a blessing," he added.
AsiaOne
10-05-2025
- Politics
- AsiaOne
Residents stockpile food, rush to bunkers as conflict rattles India and Pakistan, Asia News
LAHORE/MUZAFARRABAD, Pakistan/AMRITSAR, India — Residents across Pakistan and India rushed to stockpile foods and other essential supplies, while families living near the border fled to safer areas, as armed clashes between the nuclear-armed nations escalated on Friday (May 9). India and Pakistan accused each other of launching new military attacks, using drones and artillery for the third day, in the worst fighting between the two countries in nearly three decades. The conflict erupted after India struck multiple locations in Pakistan on Wednesday that it said were "terrorist camps", in retaliation for a deadly attack on Hindu tourists in Indian Kashmir last month. In the Indian state of Punjab, Amanpreet Dhillon, 26, said many families in his village — just 13 km from the border with Pakistan — have already sent women and children to safer areas. "I am also contemplating it... I'm afraid my village could be next," he said. In Indian-administered Kashmir's Uri district, residents said many fled overnight after several houses were struck by shelling, some taking shelter behind rocks or in bunkers. "We have never seen such intense shelling in our life. The majority of the people fled the town and other villages as soon as shelling started last night with some taking shelter in underground bunkers," said Bashir Ahmad, 45, in the town of Baramulla in Uri. "It was a nightmare for us." In the Pakistani city of Lahore, which lies near the border, residents were shaken on Thursday by drones that Pakistan said were launched by India and were shot down in the city, setting off sirens and leading the US consulate to tell its staff to shelter in place. Schools were closed on Friday and residents and shopkeepers said Lahoris were stocking up on food, gas cylinders for cooking and medicine, prompting authorities to issue a notice warning businesses not to artificially increase prices. "I have stocked grocery for a month: We got meat, flour, tea, oil lentils etc and also drew extra cash from bank," said Aroosha Rameez, 34, a Lahore resident. Muhammad Asif, 35, said his pharmacy had seen an influx of customers. "People in Lahore have started stocking medicines as well, which may lead to shortages of paracetamol, anti-allergies, antibiotics, blood pressure and diabetes medicines," he said. Food delivery app FoodPanda, popular in Pakistan, said it had seen a surge in grocery orders nationwide. [[nid:717859]] Across the border, India's Consumer Affairs, Food, and Public Distribution minister warned against panic buying of food grains. "We currently have stocks many times higher than the normal requirement-whether it is rice, wheat, or is absolutely no shortage," he said. Pankaj Seth, a resident of Amritsar in India's Punjab state, said people felt they had no choice: "We do not know if the markets will open tomorrow or not...I have children and grandchildren at home so I have to stock up." Some residents of border regions were also requesting relatives to bring them supplies as prices rose. "My aunt lives in Attari and has asked me to get some flour for her as supplies are getting expensive there," said Navneet Kaur, a nurse in Amritsar, 30 kilometres away, who was travelling to the town with a sack of flour. Fleeing at night Residents of Kashmir near the line of control that divides the region faced a more stark and immediate threat. Residents said they were starting to leave their villages and spend the nights, when shelling and firing roars through the valleys, in bunkers. The prime minister's office in Pakistan-administered Kashmir said over 400 people had been evacuated by authorities in two areas near the line of control. "Ever since the attack (Indian strike) in Muzaffarabad, we have been living in our bunker, which we carved into a nearby rocky mountain," said Manzoor Ahmed, 43, a resident of Jura Bandi village in the Neelum Valley, where local police confirmed most people were spending the night in bunkers. ALSO READ: Pakistan says it has launched military offensive against India
Observer
09-05-2025
- Politics
- Observer
Residents stockpile food as conflict rattles India and Pakistan
Residents across Pakistan and India rushed to stockpile foods and other essential supplies, while families living near the border fled to safer areas, as armed clashes between the nuclear-armed nations escalated on Friday. India and Pakistan accused each other of launching new military attacks, using drones and artillery for the third day, in the worst fighting between the two countries in nearly three decades. The conflict erupted after India struck multiple locations in Pakistan on Wednesday that it said were "terrorist camps", in retaliation for a deadly attack on Hindu tourists in Indian Kashmir last month. In the Indian state of Punjab, Amanpreet Dhillon, 26, said many families in his village — just 13 km (8.08 miles) from the border with Pakistan — have already sent women and children to safer areas. "I am also contemplating it... I'm afraid my village could be next," he said. In Indian-administered Kashmir's Uri district, residents said many fled overnight after several houses were struck by shelling, some taking shelter behind rocks or in bunkers. "We have never seen such intense shelling in our life. The majority of the people fled the town and other villages as soon as shelling started last night with some taking shelter in underground bunkers," said Bashir Ahmad, 45, in the town of Baramulla in Uri. "It was a nightmare for us." In the Pakistani city of Lahore, which lies near the border, residents were shaken on Thursday by drones that Pakistan said were launched by India and were shot down in the city, setting off sirens and leading the US consulate to tell its staff to shelter in place. Schools were closed on Friday and residents and shopkeepers said Lahoris were stocking up on food, gas cylinders for cooking and medicine, prompting authorities to issue a notice warning businesses not to artificially increase prices. "I have stocked grocery for a month: we got meat, flour, tea, oil lentils etc and also drew extra cash from bank," said Aroosha Rameez, 34, a Lahore resident. Muhammad Asif, 35, said his pharmacy had seen an influx of customers. "People in Lahore have started stocking medicines as well, which may lead to shortages of paracetamol, anti-allergies, antibiotics, blood pressure and diabetes medicines," he said. Food delivery app FoodPanda, popular in Pakistan, said it had seen a surge in grocery orders nationwide. Across the border, India's Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution minister warned against panic buying of food grains. "We currently have stocks many times higher than the normal requirement-whether it is rice, wheat, or pulses... There is absolutely no shortage," he said. Pankaj Seth, a resident of Amritsar in India's Punjab state, said people felt they had no choice: "We do not know if the markets will open tomorrow or not... I have children and grandchildren at home so I have to stock up." Some residents of border regions were also requesting relatives to bring them supplies as prices rose. "My aunt lives in Attari and has asked me to get some flour for her as supplies are getting expensive there," said Navneet Kaur, a nurse in Amritsar, 30 kilometres (19 miles) away, who was travelling to the town with a sack of flour. Residents of Kashmir near the line of control that divides the region faced a more stark and immediate threat. Residents said they were starting to leave their villages and spend the nights, when shelling and firing roars through the valleys, in bunkers. The prime minister's office in Pakistan-administered Kashmir said over 400 people had been evacuated by authorities in two areas near the line of control. "Ever since the attack (Indian strike) in Muzaffarabad, we have been living in our bunker, which we carved into a nearby rocky mountain," said Manzoor Ahmed, 43, a resident of Jura Bandi village in the Neelum Valley, where local police confirmed most people were spending the night in bunkers. — Reuters
New Straits Times
09-05-2025
- Politics
- New Straits Times
Residents stockpile food, rush to bunkers as conflict rattles India and Pakistan
RESIDENTS across Pakistan and India rushed to stockpile foods and other essential supplies, while families living near the border fled to safer areas, as armed clashes between the nuclear-armed nations escalated on Friday. India and Pakistan accused each other of launching new military attacks, using drones and artillery for the third day, in the worst fighting between the two countries in nearly three decades. The conflict erupted after India struck multiple locations in Pakistan on Wednesday that it said were "terrorist camps", in retaliation for a deadly attack on Hindu tourists in Indian Kashmir last month. In the Indian state of Punjab, Amanpreet Dhillon, 26, said many families in his village — just 13 km (8.08 miles) from the border with Pakistan — have already sent women and children to safer areas. "I am also contemplating it... I'm afraid my village could be next," he said. In Indian-administered Kashmir's Uri district, residents said many fled overnight after several houses were struck by shelling, some taking shelter behind rocks or in bunkers. "We have never seen such intense shelling in our life. The majority of the people fled the town and other villages as soon as shelling started last night with some taking shelter in underground bunkers," said Bashir Ahmad, 45, in the town of Baramulla in Uri. "It was a nightmare for us." In the Pakistani city of Lahore, which lies near the border, residents were shaken on Thursday by drones that Pakistan said were launched by India and were shot down in the city, setting off sirens and leading the US consulate to tell its staff to shelter in place. Schools were closed on Friday and residents and shopkeepers said Lahoris were stocking up on food, gas cylinders for cooking and medicine, prompting authorities to issue a notice warning businesses not to artificially increase prices. "I have stocked grocery for a month: we got meat, flour, tea, oil lentils etc and also drew extra cash from bank," said Aroosha Rameez, 34, a Lahore resident. Muhammad Asif, 35, said his pharmacy had seen an influx of customers. "People in Lahore have started stocking medicines as well, which may lead to shortages of paracetamol, anti-allergies, antibiotics, blood pressure and diabetes medicines," he said. Food delivery app FoodPanda, popular in Pakistan, said it had seen a surge in grocery orders nationwide. Across the border, India's Consumer Affairs, Food, and Public Distribution minister warned against panic buying of food grains. "We currently have stocks many times higher than the normal requirement — whether it is rice, wheat, or is absolutely no shortage," he said. Pankaj Seth, a resident of Amritsar in India's Punjab state, said people felt they had no choice: "We do not know if the markets will open tomorrow or not...I have children and grandchildren at home so I have to stock up." Some residents of border regions were also requesting relatives to bring them supplies as prices rose. "My aunt lives in Attari and has asked me to get some flour for her as supplies are getting expensive there," said Navneet Kaur, a nurse in Amritsar, 30 kilometres (19 miles) away, who was travelling to the town with a sack of flour. Residents of Kashmir near the line of control that divides the region faced a more stark and immediate threat. Residents said they were starting to leave their villages and spend the nights, when shelling and firing roars through the valleys, in bunkers. The prime minister's office in Pakistan-administered Kashmir said over 400 people had been evacuated by authorities in two areas near the line of control. "Ever since the attack (Indian strike) in Muzaffarabad, we have been living in our bunker, which we carved into a nearby rocky mountain," said Manzoor Ahmed, 43, a resident of Jura Bandi village in the Neelum Valley, where local police confirmed most people were spending the night in bunkers.
