A large number of vehicles are knocked down in a traffic jam on Ravi Road near Greater Iqbal Park on the third day of Basant celebration in the city. Photo: APP
RAWALPINDI:
Persistent heavy rain throughout the day and night paralyzed life across the city and its adjoining areas on Tuesday, severely disrupting traffic and routine activities.
In the absence of traffic wardens, the traffic system collapsed and ambulances were stranded at major intersections. Claims by the Water and Sanitation Agency (WASA) about the clearing of drains proved hollow as water pooled widely.
The markets remained deserted, with commercial activity practically suspended, while the day laborers in the wholesale markets were left without work.
A total of 39 mm of rain was recorded across the city. The continuous downpours caused leaks at Metro Bus stations and along the road, leaving motorcyclists traveling below exposed to the rain. Attendance at educational institutions and offices remained low due to weather conditions.
Low-lying areas were inundated and up to a foot of water accumulated in underpasses, including at Committee Chowk and Rahimabad. The ongoing work on the Kutchery Chowk flyover bridge and underpass has also been halted, with excavated areas filled with rainwater.
The public lighting system was disrupted, while unannounced load shedding of up to six hours during the day, coupled with the suspension of gas supply from 9pm to pre-dawn, further hampered daily life and business activity. The roofs of the former judicial buildings of the district courts also began to leak.
However, continuous rains have led to a rise in water levels in the Rawal, Simly and Khanpur dams, easing concerns over a possible summer water shortage.
Several localities including Dhoke Elahi Bakhsh, Arya Mohalla, Nadeem Colony, Javed Colony, Fazalabad, Chah Sultan, Shalley Valley, Peoples Colony and Millat Colony remained waterlogged.
While the weather has turned pleasant and the greenery of parks and gardens has been renewed, there is growing concern that the ongoing rains in the Potohar region may damage the ripening wheat crop, harvesting of which has already begun in some areas.
Heavy rain also dumped debris across Nullah Lai and around 15 seasonal streams, providing a natural cleansing effect. However, sanitation works were interrupted and the waste accumulated in the streets emitted bad odors when mixed with rainwater.
Traffic flow remained intermittently disrupted throughout the day as dark clouds and intense storms persisted. The spell of rain is expected to continue until Wednesday.
