LAHORE, Pakistan: As torrential rains continue to lash various parts of Punjab on Thursday, at least 35 persons have lost their lives in rain related incidents across the province including in Lahore, Gujranwala and Sialkot.
The Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif has announced Rs 500,000 aid for the deceased persons and Rs 100,000 aid for those who were injured in monsoon rains.
The schedules of flights and trains have also been affected as a result of torrential rains.
The sources said that 15 deaths were reported from Lahore and a total of seven from the districts of Gujranwala and Sialkot.
PM directs Punjab govt to expedite relief work as rains hit province
Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif expressed grief over the loss of lives and directed the Punjab government to expedite relief work following the rain related incidents that caused loss of lives and property.
Current rains can develop flood situation in Punjab
The Chief Meteorologist Muhammad Riaz has said that current torrential rains and thunderstorms in the areas of eastern rivers can develop flood situations in parts of Punjab.
Riaz said that as monsoon system has been moving from West to North in the region; that is why we are experiencing unprecedented heavy rains in Lahore, Gujranwala and Rawalpindi Divisions.
The Chief Meteorologist said that floods are expected in rivers Ravi, Chenab and Satluj, however, situation is unlikely for river Indus.
