LAHORE: The death toll from torrential rains that lashed upper parts of the country has soared to 15, according to officials.
According to rescue and police sources, at least 15 people died in different rain-related incidents in the provincial capital. Most deaths were caused by roof collapses and electrocution.
The intense rains that began in the wee hours of Tuesday continued intermittently into Wednesday, inundating streets and causing flooding.
Citizens experienced widespread power blackouts and have had to wade through flooded streets as the municipal authorities struggled to drain out accumulated rain water.
A giant 20-ft deep and 200-ft wide hole occurred in a portion of The Mall road near the underground station of the Orange Line Metro Train following the rain..
Caretaker Minister of Transport Mian Nauman Kabir constituted the inquiry committee at the meeting called to discuss the flooding situation of the city due to the heaviest rainfall in 38 years that wreaked havoc with the urban infrastructure.
The minister expressed dismay over the incident and vowed to take stern action against those who are responsible for it.
The incessant rainfall later created another sinkhole measuring 50-ft appearing at some distance from the first.
The probe committee has been directed to submit its findings on the matter within next 48 hours.
“The Mall sinkhole not only caused a loss to the public exchequer but could also cause a major road accident,” the minister lamented.
Lahore, on Tuesday recorded 214 millimeters (8.4 inches) of rain in the 24 hours up to 8:00 am on Tuesday, the heaviest in 38 years, the country’s chief meteorologist Muhammad Riaz said. The heavy downpour has caused urban flooding in the city leaving at least nine people dead in rain-related mishaps.
