RAWALPINDI: As heavy rainfall disrupted the electricity supply in Murree, showers continued in Rawalpindi and Islamabad at regular intervals on the second consecutive day, forcing people to stay inside their houses due to the cold weather.

In the afternoon, the Water and Sanitation Agency alerted its teams in the garrison city after the heavy rainfall raised the water level in Leh Nullah. The Met office recorded 49 millimetres of rain in Murree, Rawalpindi (Shamsabad 34mm, Kutchery 28mm and Chaklala 25mm), and Islamabad (Zero Point, Airport 31mm, Golra 30mm, Saidpur 29mm, and Bokra 19mm).

According to the Met department, the recent spell was due to a “westerly wave affecting northern parts of the country” and more rain and snowfall over hills is expected in Kashmir, Gilgit-Baltistan, and the Potohar region.

A Met official said rain will continue in the morning but the weather will be clear by the evening. The official said that the temperature in the Potohar region will experience an increase in the coming days and the weather will remain clear.

The rain and wind brought down temperatures from 11 to 12 degrees Celsius minimum in Rawalpindi and Islamabad and forced people to stay indoors. Due to intermittent rain, business activity was also disrupted and the city centres, bazaars, and shops presented a deserted look. However, it brought relief for people suffering from dust allergies.

According to a doctor, viral infections like cough and flu would also be reduced. People with pollen allergies, however, need to be careful since there is a “heavy amount of pollen” in the air. The number of pollen patients increased in the twin cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad these days.

Murree

In most areas of Murree, electricity supply remained disturbed and the Rawalpindi commissioner visited the district to review the work so far done by the provincial departments.

Commissioner Saif Anwar Jappa said that the administrative officials should be active and take measures for the convenience of the local people as well as tourists to ensure routine activities were not derailed.

The commissioner said that if there were any complaints of fallen trees on highways, then it should be resolved immediately. Along with clearing the main highways during the snowfall, the link roads should also be cleared immediately. “If the link roads are clear, then the traffic flow is not affected,” he said.

On this occasion, Murree Additional Deputy Commissioner Revenue Qasim Ijaz while giving a brief on the arrangements said that the Murree administration was geared up to face this snowfall.

He said that before coming to Murree, tourists must get awareness through the advisory issued by the media and the administration and cooperate with the traffic police. They should follow precautionary measures to ensure their safety.

Published in Dawn, February 20th, 2024