Heavy rains batter tourist hotspot

MURREE: Heavy rain and thunderstorms swept through Murree on Thursday, disrupting traffic, toppling trees and electricity poles, and cutting power in many areas, according to district authorities and rescue officials cited in local reports.

Fog and dark clouds covered the hill station as the downpour caused water levels to rise in rivers and canals. Several roads were inundated and resembled flowing streams, bringing traffic to a standstill in parts of the tourist town. Visibility also fell sharply because of dense fog.

Strong winds accompanying the rain brought down trees and electric poles along GT Road and View Fourth Road, affecting electricity supply in most localities. Rescue 1122 and administrative teams carried out operations to clear fallen trees and poles from the roads in an effort to restore traffic flow.

The rain came at the start of the pre-monsoon spell in early July and eased the intense heat of the previous three days, with a notable drop in temperature recorded. The cooler weather had already drawn visitors to Murree over the weekend, and tourists were seen enjoying the rain at Mall Road, Kashmir Point, Patriata, Ayubiya and Nathia Gali. The district administration advised tourists and residents to stay away from rivers and canals.