Heavy rain knocks out power in twin cities

ISLAMABAD: Torrential rains lashed down on twin cities Islamabad and Rawalpindi on Wednesday, resulting in power cuts after 40 power feeders were tripped.

“Field staff are facing hardships in restoring power supply, owing to the rainfall,” an Islamabad Electric Supply Company (IESCO) spokesperson said.

The rainwater has entered homes and shops in various low-lying areas of Rawalpindi including Mir Hyder Colony, Christian Colony, Dhok Sayedan and People’s Colony.

According to the Met Office, maximum rainfall of 188mm was recorded at Shams Abad in Rawalpindi, while 110mm at Chaklala and 79mm rainfall was recorded at Katchehry.

In Islamabad, 138mm rainfall was recorded at Bokra, 102mm at Golra, 98mm at Zero Point, 64mm around the airport and 44mm at Saidpur.

According to the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD), monsoon currents from the Arabian sea penetrating in upper and central parts of the country are likely to intensify.

The PMD has forecast continued thunderstorms with heavy falls from July 18 to 23.

Heavy downpour is expected to fall on Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Murree, Galliyat, Kashmir, Gilgit-Baltistan, Attock, Chakwal, Jhelum, Lahore, Chitral, Dir, Swat, Abbottabad, Haripur, and Peshawar.

The PMD had also predicted wind-thunderstorms from July 19 to 21 in Barkhan, Loralai, Kalat, Khuzdar, Zhob, Lasbela, Awaran, Musakhel, Dera Ghazi Khan, Rajanpur, Multan, Bhakkar, Sukkur, Larkana and Jacobabad.

Meanwhile, dust-thunderstorms from July 19 to 23 are expected in Tharparkar, Umerkot, Mirpurkhas, Sukkur, Larkana, Jacobabad, and Dadu District. The same is forecast from July 20 to 22 for Shaheed Benazirabad, Hyderabad, Sanghar, Badin, Thatta and Karachi districts.

The PMD has advised the general public to avoid unnecessary travel and to avoid going near loose structures such as electric poles and solar panels.