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| Photo by Nahi Khabar 24/7 – via Personal Collection |
Islamabad: The federal capital witnessed heavy rainfall on Monday morning, bringing much-needed relief from the sweltering summer heat but also causing significant disruption to daily life across the city.
Intensity of Rainfall
According to the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD), Islamabad recorded over 70 millimeters of rain within a few hours, the heaviest spell in recent weeks. The downpour began early in the morning and continued intermittently till afternoon, accompanied by strong winds and thunder.
Urban Flooding and Traffic Disruption
Waterlogging
- Major roads, including Jinnah Avenue, Blue Area, Expressway, and IJP Road, were submerged in rainwater, leading to long traffic jams and slow movement.
- Low-lying sectors such as G-7, G-9, I-10, and Rawalpindi’s adjoining localities reported water entering homes and shops.
- Office-goers and schoolchildren faced serious difficulties due to traffic congestion and flooded streets.
Emergency Measures
The Capital Development Authority (CDA) and Metropolitan Corporation Islamabad (MCI) deployed emergency teams to clear clogged drains and pump out accumulated water. Heavy machinery was also moved to sensitive points to prevent urban flooding.
The Islamabad Traffic Police (ITP) issued advisories urging citizens to avoid unnecessary travel and use alternate routes.
Electricity Outages
The heavy downpour also led to power breakdowns in several sectors, including G-11, F-10, I-8, and Bhara Kahu, as dozens of feeders tripped. IESCO teams have been mobilized to restore electricity in the affected areas.
PMD Forecast
The Met Office has forecast more rain in Islamabad and upper Punjab over the next 24 hours. Citizens have been advised to remain cautious, particularly those living in low-lying areas.
Citizens’ Reactions
Many residents expressed mixed feelings about the rain. While some welcomed the cool weather, others criticized the authorities for failing to improve the city’s drainage system despite repeated urban flooding incidents during monsoon seasons.
Government Response
The Deputy Commissioner of Islamabad assured that relief teams are on high alert and directed relevant departments to ensure quick water drainage. The administration also appealed to the public to cooperate and report emergencies on helpline numbers.
Conclusion
The heavy rainfall in Islamabad highlighted once again the city’s vulnerability to poor drainage and urban flooding. While the downpour provided a temporary respite from the heat, it also caused major inconvenience, raising concerns about infrastructure readiness during the ongoing monsoon spell.
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