MULTAN: Heavy rains, gusty winds and scattered hailstorms have raised fears of widespread damage to wheat crops and mango orchards across South Punjab, where further rainfall is forecast in the coming days.
Initial reports suggest that significant crop losses may occur, though a detailed assessment will be possible in the next few days. The downpour also triggered prolonged electricity outages in the region as multiple feeders of the Multan Electric Power Company (Mepco) tripped due to the adverse weather conditions.
Meanwhile, the Water and Sanitation Agency (Wasa) in Multan placed its entire drainage network on high alert as light rain intensified into a heavy downpour on Thursday night. Officers, engineers, and field staff from all sewerage and disposal station divisions were called in on an emergency basis, and drainage operations were launched across the city. Wasa Managing Director Faisal Shaukat directed that all disposal stations operate at full capacity to ensure timely drainage of rainwater from highways, major intersections, low-lying areas, and residential neighborhoods. He, along with Deputy Managing Director (Engineering) Zeeshan Shaukat Gondal, visited multiple disposal stations and city areas to review drainage operations, machinery performance, and field staff efficiency. The Managing Director also monitored rainwater clearance efforts continuously.
According to official reports, the highest rainfall was recorded at Suraj Miani and Kiri Jamandan disposal stations (29 mm each), followed by Old Shujabad Road (18.6 mm), Chungi No. 9 (15 mm), and Khan Village (13 mm).
The MD instructed all sewerage officers to utilize maximum available resources to ensure swift drainage, especially from critical points and low-lying areas.
In view of the forecast for more rain, all staff have been directed to remain on high alert.
The officials stated that Wasa has mobilised all available resources to facilitate citizens, maintain traffic flow, and ensure immediate drainage of rainwater, while continuous monitoring of the weather situation remains underway.
