HYDERABAD, June 18: Hyderabad and its adjoining areas received the first rain of the season on Wednesday. Power supply to the city was suspended as the rain was preceded by strong dust storm and lightening.

The rain that began at 7.35pm and continued for more than half an hour brought a pleasant change in the weather. Drizzle was continuing when this report was filed at 9:30pm.

Rainwater accumulated in low-lying areas, causing problems to pedestrians and motorcycle riders.

Officials of Hesco suspended power supply to around 50 feeders. The in charge, power dispatch centre, Lutufllah, said the feeders were being checked and power supply would be restored when the rain stopped.

Hesco chief executive Tariq Arshad told this correspondent on telephone that the company had declared emergency. He said power supply to different feeders was suspended to avoid any loss of life and property. He said officials were working on war footings to put the electricity system in order.

No official of the Met office could be contacted to tell how much rain was recorded.

Meanwhile, a PIA flight from Gwadar to Karachi (PK-520) was diverted to the Hyderabad Airport due to the dust storm where the plane landed safely.

Our Mirpurkhas correspondent adds: The first rain of summer brought a pleasant change in weather on Tuesday night.

The people of Mirpurkhas had been experiencing a hot spell for the last three weeks.

Power supply to different areas in Mirpurkhas and Tharparkar districts was suspended from the Hala gird station, Hyderabad.

Knee-deep water accumulated in some areas.