Torrential rain paralyses Abbottabad, disrupts daily life across the city

ABBOTTABAD: Torrential rainfall lashed Abbottabad on Wednesday, paralysing routine life across the city as roads were inundated, drainage systems overwhelmed, and commuters left stranded in various parts of the district.

Widespread flooding and waterlogging

Heavy downpours triggered severe waterlogging in multiple areas of Abbottabad, with key roads and low-lying neighbourhoods submerged under several feet of rainwater. The city's already strained drainage infrastructure proved inadequate to handle the volume of water, leading to the flooding of streets, markets, and residential areas.

Traffic came to a virtual standstill as major thoroughfares were rendered impassable, with vehicles stuck in floodwaters at numerous locations. Commuters faced significant difficulties navigating through the waterlogged roads, and many were forced to abandon their vehicles.

Impact on daily life

The heavy rainfall disrupted daily activities across Abbottabad, with markets and commercial centres affected by the deluge. Shopkeepers and residents in low-lying areas scrambled to protect their belongings as water entered homes and business premises.

The rain also caused disruptions to the power supply in several parts of the city, adding to the misery of residents already dealing with the flooding. The downpour exposed the lack of adequate urban planning and drainage management in the rapidly growing city.

Rescue and relief efforts

Local authorities and rescue teams were mobilised to respond to the emergency situation caused by the heavy rainfall. Efforts were under way to drain water from the worst-affected areas and restore normalcy to traffic flow on the main roads.

Residents of the city expressed frustration over the recurring pattern of urban flooding during the monsoon season, pointing to the failure of municipal authorities to upgrade the city's drainage system despite repeated episodes of rain-related disruption.

The spell of heavy rain is part of the broader monsoon weather pattern affecting parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and northern Pakistan. Meteorological authorities had earlier warned of continued wet weather in the region, urging residents and local administrations to remain vigilant and take precautionary measures.

Abbottabad, a hill station and garrison city in the Hazara division of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, has witnessed increasing instances of urban flooding in recent years as rapid and often unplanned development has outpaced the capacity of the city's ageing infrastructure.