The monsoon season brought more than just a break from the summer heat in Lahore this Wednesday. Two tragic incidents linked to the rain claimed six lives and injured several others, once again highlighting the city’s vulnerability during extreme weather.

Fatal Electrocution While Fixing Rooftop Advertisement

In the Shahdara neighborhood, four men died instantly after being electrocuted while installing a rooftop hoarding on Daulat Khan Road. The accident occurred when the metal frame they were handling came into contact with overhead high-voltage lines during rainfall.

Rescue 1122 teams rushed to the site, but all four men had already succumbed to the electric shock. Their bodies were transported to Mayo Hospital.

Lahore Electric Supply Company (Lesco) later released a statement blaming the tragedy on negligence. According to Lesco, the shopkeeper responsible for the hoarding installation failed to notify the utility provider or seek proper clearance. Lesco Chief Executive Ramzan Butt has ordered a formal inquiry to determine responsibility.

Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz expressed her condolences and demanded a detailed report from authorities. She labeled the loss of life as “deeply regrettable.”

Roof Collapse Kills Two in Meher Town

Elsewhere in the city, torrential rain led to the collapse of a house roof in Meher Town on Bedian Road, killing two men—identified as Adil, 25, and Goga, 45. Two others sustained injuries and were admitted to Avicenna Medical Hospital.

The incident underscores the ongoing risks posed by aging infrastructure and unregulated construction, particularly in low-income neighborhoods where homes are often ill-equipped to withstand seasonal rains.

Wider Rain Impact: Light Showers in Lahore, Heavy Downpours Elsewhere

While Lahore experienced relatively light rainfall—8mm in Nishtar Town and trace amounts elsewhere—it was enough to cool the city and cause localized disruption.

Across Punjab, however, heavier showers were recorded: Gujrat led with 86mm, followed by Narowal (37mm), Multan (28mm), and DG Khan (27mm), according to the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA). Rain also fell in several other districts including Rawalpindi, Sialkot, Murree, and Mianwali.

Monsoon Forecast: Sixth Rain Spell to Continue Through August 7

PDMA has forecast continued rainfall across most of Punjab districts as the sixth monsoon spell persists. Director General Irfan Ali Kathia urged district administrations to stay on high alert and implement precautionary measures to avoid further casualties.

Currently, the Indus River at Tarbela is experiencing low-level flooding, while water levels at Kalabagh, Chashma, and Taunsa remain stable. Tarbela Dam is reported to be at 95% capacity, with Mangla Dam at 62%. Indian dams, by comparison, are 56% full.

Monsoon Toll So Far: 164 Dead Across Punjab

The human cost of this year’s monsoon season is mounting. As per PDMA data, 164 people have died in rain-related incidents across Punjab to date. In the past 24 hours alone, six fatalities and three injuries were reported due to various accidents tied to rainfall.

Damage reports also include 582 injured citizens, 216 damaged houses, and the death of 121 livestock. Financial assistance is reportedly being extended to affected families.

Authorities are once again urging the public to remain vigilant—especially advising children to stay away from flooded areas, drainage canals, and riverbanks.

Bottom Line:
Wednesday’s deadly incidents in Lahore serve as a stark reminder that monsoon rains—while welcomed for relief from heat—can turn deadly in the absence of adequate safety measures and infrastructure readiness.