Faisalabad( The COW News Digital)Faisalabad witnessed an unprecedented 320 millimeters of rainfall within 24 hours, breaking all previous records in the history of the Water and Sanitation Agency (WASA). The downpour, which continued intermittently throughout the day, left several parts of the city inundated, creating major challenges for residents and civic authorities.
According to WASA Managing Director Suhail Qadir Cheema, the agency’s history had never recorded such heavy rainfall within a single day. He confirmed that the extraordinary showers triggered severe waterlogging in multiple neighborhoods, including central intersections and key roadways.
Despite the severity of the situation, WASA officials reported that special measures were swiftly implemented to drain standing water. “All de-watering sets and suction machines are fully operational, and our officers and staff are on the ground around the clock to oversee the drainage process,” Cheema said.
Authorities confirmed that water has already been cleared from major roads and intersections to ensure traffic flow returns to normal. Teams have also been deployed to residential areas, where several homes and streets experienced flooding.
Cheema emphasized that WASA is committed to providing efficient and prompt services to minimize disruption to daily life. “Our teams are working tirelessly to provide maximum relief to citizens. Complaints received from residents are being addressed immediately,” he added.
The MD also highlighted that WASA’s helpline remains active and responsive, with field teams staying on high alert for any emergency situation. This proactive approach, he explained, has enabled the agency to respond quickly to new instances of water accumulation caused by the heavy rainfall.
Residents, however, reported difficulties commuting during peak hours, with some low-lying areas still facing partial flooding. Businesses and shop owners in certain districts also voiced concerns about property damage caused by water seepage.
Meteorological officials noted that while Faisalabad is no stranger to monsoon rains, the intensity of the latest downpour was exceptional. Experts warned that further rain spells in the coming days could add strain to the city’s drainage infrastructure, urging continued vigilance from authorities.
For now, WASA’s rapid response has helped restore normalcy to much of the city, though officials acknowledged that the record-breaking rainfall serves as a reminder of the urgent need to upgrade Faisalabad’s urban drainage systems to cope with future climate extremes.
