May 19, 2007	Saturday	Jamadi-ul-Awwal 02, 1428

ISLAMABAD, May 18: Widespread rain accompanied by gusty winds brought about relief to the people of the federal capital and towns of the Rawalpindi district that were in the grip of heat spell for the past few days.

Dust storms with strong winds blowing at 120 kilometres per hour lashed Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Taxila, Attock and other adjoining areas, uprooting trees and hoardings.

The violent storm with thunder and lightening started at around 5:30pm in Islamabad and neighbouring Rawalpindi, and even overturned a number of small vehicles parked at different places. However, no loss of life or any serious injuries were reported. There were some reports of minor damages to the huts located on the outskirts of the twin cities.

Rain started to fall at around 6:30pm and continued till late night. By 9:30pm, Rawalpindi received 10 millimetres rain while Islamabad 21 millimetres.

The Pakistan Meteorological Department said the mercury was likely to drop by two degrees in the twin cities during night due to the rain, however, the day temperature would remain unchanged.

It predicated more rains in the evening on Saturday that would bring about a pleasant change in the weather that is expected to remain partly cloudy with chances of dust/thunder storm.

The Friday afternoon rain gave some respite from the persistent sultry weather to the people of Taxila, Wah Cantt, Hassanabdal and other adjourning areas, Dawn’s correspondent in Taxila reported.

However, the strong dust storm preceding the showers caused disruption to power supply and telephone services that remained suspended for a few hours.