Lahore Weather Turned Dark: Black Clouds and Intense Hail Storm Lash City

Darkness swallowed Lahore yesterday as a fierce weather system brought heavy rain, hailstorms, and destructive winds. While the cooling temperatures offered brief relief, the storm left a trail of tragedy in Kot Radha Kishan and plunged massive sections of the city into total darkness following a LESCO power breakdown.

Lahore weather took a dramatic turn on Tuesday evening. Dense clouds blocked the sun by mid-afternoon, turning day into night across the provincial capital. Strong winds quickly escalated into a heavy downpour and intense hailstorm. Areas like Gulberg, Jail Road, and Raiwind saw significant hail, while Nishtar Town recorded the city’s highest rainfall at 50 mm.

The storm turned fatal in nearby Kasur. In Kot Radha Kishan, the wind pressure caused walls to collapse, killing two children. This incident left five others injured, with three currently in critical condition. Across Punjab, the death toll reached eight as lightning and structural failures claimed more lives in Gujranwala and Sheikhupura.

LESCO Power Grid Collapse

The electricity infrastructure could not withstand the pressure. More than 170 feeders tripped across the LESCO region. Residents in Mazang, Garhi Shahu, and Harbanspura faced immediate blackouts. LESCO officials confirmed that restoration work began only after the rain subsided to ensure worker safety.

Urban Flooding and PSL Delays

Water accumulated rapidly in low-lying areas, including Journalists Colony and Mall Road. The standing water also forced officials to abandon the PSL match at Gaddafi Stadium. While WASA teams deployed machinery to clear the roads, the sheer volume of rain—averaging 30 mm across most stations—tested the city’s drainage limits.