Heavy rain disrupts traffic and civic services in Rawalpindi

RAWALPINDI: Persistent heavy rain through the day and night on Tuesday disrupted routine life across Rawalpindi and adjoining areas, affecting traffic flow, commercial activity and civic services.

A total of 39mm of rainfall was recorded in the city. The downpour caused severe traffic congestion, and in the absence of traffic wardens, the traffic management system broke down at several points. Ambulances were also reported stranded at major intersections.

The Water and Sanitation Agency’s claims regarding drain clearance did not hold up as rainwater accumulated in many parts of the city. Low-lying neighbourhoods were submerged, while up to one foot of water collected in underpasses, including Committee Chowk and Rahimabad.

Several localities remained waterlogged, including Dhoke Elahi Bakhsh, Arya Mohalla, Nadeem Colony, Javed Colony, Fazalabad, Chah Sultan, Shalley Valley, Peoples Colony and Millat Colony.

Commercial centres largely remained deserted and business activity was effectively suspended. Daily wage workers at wholesale markets were left without work as the weather kept people away. Attendance at educational institutions and offices also stayed low.

Continuous rain also exposed problems in public transport infrastructure, with leaks reported at Metro Bus stations and along the track. Motorcyclists travelling beneath the route were left exposed to the rain.

Work on the Kutchery Chowk overhead bridge and underpass project was halted as excavated sections filled with rainwater. The street lighting system was also affected.

Residents faced additional difficulties due to unannounced electricity outages of up to six hours during the day. Gas supply also remained suspended from 9pm until before dawn, adding to the disruption of household routines and business operations.

The rain also affected public buildings, with roofs of old court structures in the district courts beginning to leak.

At the same time, the continued rainfall contributed to rising water levels in Rawal, Simly and Khanpur dams, reducing concerns about a possible water shortage during the summer.

In the Potohar region, however, there is concern that continued rainfall may harm the ripened wheat crop, particularly as harvesting has already started in some areas.

The heavy rain also carried debris through Nullah Lai and around 15 seasonal streams, producing a natural cleansing effect. Even so, sanitation operations were disrupted, and waste lying in streets produced foul smells after mixing with rainwater.

Despite the pleasant change in weather and refreshed greenery in parks and gardens, dark clouds and strong thunderstorms continued to affect the city, with traffic remaining intermittently choked throughout the day. The spell of rain is expected to continue into Wednesday.