Persistent heavy rain pummeled several Punjab cities including Lahore during the last 24 hours, throwing the routine life into disarray with urban flooding inundating many low-lying areas on Thursday morning.Authorities said heavy rain was recorded in Sialkot, in Mandi Bahauddin, Narowal, Hafizabad, Chakwal, Okara, Jhang, Layyah and Jhelum.

Lahore remained under the grip of persistent monsoon rain for a fourth consecutive day on Thursday, while Islamabad experienced its third straight day of intermittent rainfall, bringing daily life to a standstill in both cities.Heavy rain continued at intervals across Lahore, inundating roads in several parts of the city, including Township, Model Town, Ichhra, Gulberg, Quaid-e-Azam Industrial Estate, Kot Lakhpat, Wapda Town and Defence.

Water and Sanitation Agency (WASA) teams remained active in drainage operations but were unable to clear accumulated rainwater from roads immediately.The prolonged downpour severely disrupted routine life, with many residents unable to leave their homes and attendance at offices remaining significantly lower than usual. Numerous vehicles, motorcycles, rickshaws and other modes of transport became stranded in waterlogged low-lying areas, while many motorcycles broke down after being submerged in rainwater.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP)