ISLAMABAD - Although the federal capital wore a fresh green look due to continuous light rain, which according to metrological department will intensify during the next 24 hours, yet the daily routine life across the Rawalpindi city was badly paralysed due to the rain that started on Sunday morning.
The meteorological department has predicted that current weather system is likely to intensify on Sunday night. ‘Under the influence of this weather system, widespread snowfall heavy at times is expected over the hills of Malakand, Hazara, Murree, Galiyat, Gilgit-Baltistan and Kashmir on Monday and Tuesday while hailing is also expected at isolated places in the plains of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Punjab including Islamabad during the period,’ said weather advisory issued by the Met Office.
On Sunday the minimum temperature in the federal capital remained 04 degree centigrade, while in Rawalpindi it was 06 degree centigrade. According to met office.
Director General Met Department Dr Mohammad Hanif while explaining the synoptic situation said, ‘A strong western system is affecting most parts of the country and likely to persist for till Tuesday.
This strong weather system is expected to generate heavy rains with snowfall over the hills in upper parts of the country.’
The rain caused immense difficulties for the residents of different areas, including Sadiqabad, Shamsabad, Dhok Kala Khan, Kurree Road, Muslim Town, Raja Bazaar, Banni, Pindora, Bakra Mandi, Westraige, Satellite Town, Commercial Market.
‘Rain is a gift from God but in our city it turned into a curse due to poor sewage system. Even a little downpour is enough to disrupt routine life and fill the city roads and streets with water,’ said Aamir Jilani, resident of Dhoke Hassu.
By and large, the citizens were forced by the rain to remain indoors due to continuous rain. Business activities also remained suspended across the twin cities as rain kept shoppers away from the markets.
Commuters faced inconvenience due to lack of public transport on roads, while taxi and rickshaw drivers were taking advantage of the situation by overcharging the commuters.
Rain also forced the inhabitants of kutchi abadies and low-lying areas along Nullah Leh to pass through accumulated rainwater to reach their homes.
‘Government authorities should visit the city today to see the performance of civic authorities concerned, as the low-laying areas were facing a flood like situation,’ said Amjad Qurashi inhabitant of Kurree Road.