Heavy rain brings relief to twin cities after weeks of heat

ISLAMABAD: Heavy rain in Islamabad, Rawalpindi and nearby areas on Saturday brought a break from nearly three weeks of severe heat, with evening showers, thunder and lightning changing the weather across the twin cities.

The downpour washed dust off roads and trees, leaving much of the area looking cleaner after the rain. Seasonal drains, major stormwater channels and Nullah Leh also saw stronger flows, which carried away accumulated waste and debris.

The rainfall improved inflows into Khanpur Dam, Rawal Dam and Simly Dam, the three reservoirs that supply water to the twin cities. Better inflows were also reported from the catchment areas of the dams, while the rain also helped raise groundwater levels.

Water and Sanitation Agency spokesperson Umar Farooq said water stocks in the dams were sufficient. He added that if monsoon rains remain normal, there is no immediate threat of a summer water shortage.

Harvest affected, infrastructure gaps exposed

While the rain brought cooler conditions, it also caused losses for farmers during the wheat harvest. Cut wheat lying in fields was damaged by the intense rainfall.

A spokesperson for the agriculture department advised growers to schedule harvesting in line with weather forecasts to reduce the risk of further losses if more rain occurs.

The showers also highlighted weaknesses in urban infrastructure. Roofs at metro stations and inside buses started leaking during the rain.

Several underpasses, including those at Committee Chowk, Rahimabad and Peshawar Road, were submerged with up to one foot of standing water. The water was not drained immediately, although it later receded on its own.

Residents head outdoors after weather turns pleasant

After the rain, cool winds swept through the area and drew many residents out onto the roads. Families were seen going out on motorcycles and in cars to enjoy the improved weather conditions.

The rainfall brought visible relief in the twin cities after a prolonged hot spell, even as it disrupted harvesting activity and exposed drainage and transport-related shortcomings in parts of the urban network.