LAHORE (National Times) Light to heavy rains, accompanied by strong winds, lashed several parts of the country, including Lahore, Islamabad, Karachi, Rawalpindi, Gujranwala, Gujrat, and Narowal, on Friday.

The downpour brought much-needed relief for the denizens of these cities from the sultry weather.

Lahore areas including Shimla Hill, Lakshmi Chowk, Gawalmandi, Qartaba Chowk, Davies Road, Mall Road, Ichhra, Qainchi, Chungi Amar Siddhu, Gajjumatta, Islampura, Bund Road, Anarkali, Shalamar Garden, Model Town, Gulberg, Garden Town, and Johar Town experienced widespread rainfall.

Heavy rain left motorists and commuters high and dry as low-lying areas were submerged under water.
The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has issued an alert, predicting heavy rainfall in excess of 50-100 millimeters over the next three days in different regions of the country. It said the situation could lead to flash flooding and urban flooding in local streams.

It cautioned that cities like Gujranwala, Lahore, Sialkot, and Rawalpindi, could experience urban flooding. Besides, landslides and flash floods may take place in Gilgit, Kashmir, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Mansehra, and Murree.