A large number of vehicles are caught in traffic jam on Ravi Road near Greater Iqbal Park on the third day of Basant celebrations in the city. Photo: APP
RAWALPINDI:
Sustained heavy rainfall throughout the day and night brought life to a standstill in the entire 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. Water and Sanitation Agency (WASA) claims of drain cleaning proved hollow as water accumulated widely.
Markets remained deserted, with commercial activity effectively suspended, while day laborers in the wholesale markets found themselves out of work.
A total of 39 mm of rainfall was recorded across the city. Continuous downpours led to leaks in Metro Bus stations and along the track, leaving motorcyclists riding below exposed to the rain. Attendance in educational institutions and offices remained low due to the weather conditions.
Low-lying areas were inundated, with up to a foot of water pooling in underpasses, including at Committee Chowk and Rahimabad. The ongoing work on the Kutchery Chowk overhead bridge and underpass project also stalled, with excavated areas filled with rainwater.
The street lighting system was interrupted while unannounced load shedding of up to six hours during the day, coupled with suspension of gas supply from 9pm to pre-dawn, further hampering daily life and business activity. Roofs of old courthouses in the city courts also began to leak.
However, continuous rainfall has led to rising water levels in the Rawal, Simly and Khanpur dams, easing concerns over a potential shortage of water in summer.
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 turned pleasant, with greenery in parks and gardens refreshed, there are growing concerns that persistent rains in the Potohar region could damage the mature wheat crop, with harvesting already underway in some areas.
The heavy rains also washed debris through the Nullah Lai and about 15 seasonal streams, providing a natural cleansing effect. However, the clean-up work was interrupted, and the accumulated waste in the streets emitted a foul smell as it mixed with rainwater.
Traffic flow remained intermittently choked throughout the day as dark clouds and intense thunderstorms continued. The rain is expected to continue into Wednesday.
