RAWALPINDI: The first spring rain lashed Rawalpindi and Islamabad on Friday.

The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) recorded 55mm of rain at Chaklala, 34mm at Shamsabad in Rawalpindi and 23mm at Saidpur, 30mm at Zero Point, 36mm at Bokra, 40mm at New Islamabad Airport and 27mm at Golra. Wind speed was recorded at 16 knots to 32km per hour.

More rain is expected in the next 24 hours.

According to an official from the department, the western disturbance is affecting upper parts of the country and is likely to move north during the next 24 hours. Light rain showers continued throughout the day.

Flights from Quetta, Gilgit and Skardu were cancelled and flights from Islamabad were delayed for one to two hours.

“Flights PK-605 to Gilgit, PK-451 to Skardu and PK-631 to Sukkur were cancelled along with flights PK-606 and PK-452 from Gilgit and Skardu. Flights from Dubai PK-212, Abu Dhabi PA-231, Sharjah PA-213, Karachi PK-370 were delayed for an hour to two,” a Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) official said.

He added that normal rain did not affect air operations but the thunderstorm along with gusty winds were troublesome. He said afternoon flights were normal.

Road users, motorists and pedestrians suffered as water logged in most parts of the city and dilapidated roads in the cantonment led to traffic snarls.

“I faced an issue in going to Islamabad from Pirwadhai Mor to Faizabad on motorcycle because of water logging on IJP Road,” said Ahmed Saleem, a motorcyclist.

He said that mud on the main roads caused problems for two wheelers and pedestrians. “The local government should clean the roads and drains on a daily basis,” he said.

Asher Ali, a resident of G-8, said the rain was a blessing but it created a mess for residents at the same time.Meanwhile, rain was a welcome sign for Water and Sanitation Agency (Wasa).

Water level in Rawal Dam rose to 1,748 feet and it will be enough for the next 10 months for Rawalpindi.

According to a Wasa official, water level in Leh Nullah rose to six feet but it did not affect the adjoining low-lying areas.

Published in Dawn, February 29th, 2020