RAWALPINDI: Heavy rain lashed the twin cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad on Thursday bringing a pleasant change in the weather, however, low-lying areas of the city were inundated.

The rain started on Thursday and continued till afternoon with small breaks. Rain water accumulated in several streets of the city and low lying areas.

The Met Office recorded 29 millimetres rain in Chaklala, 22mm in Shamsabad and 26mm in Golra, 20mm in Bokra, 19mm in Zeropoint, 15mm in Airport and 10mm in Saidpur.

According to an official, a well marked low pressure area (LPA) has developed over Balochistan and adjoining areas of Sindh. A westerly wave is also present over western parts of the country.

He said that a rain-wind/thundershower is expected in north/east Balochistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Punjab, Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan. Few heavy falls are also likely in north/east Balochistan, upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, north Punjab and Kashmir.

Flash flooding is expected in Qilla Saifullah, Quetta, Ziarat, Harnai, Pishin, Loralai, Barkhan, Kohlu, Dera Bugti, Jhal Magsi, Musa Khel, Zhob, Sherani, Sibbi, Naseerabad, Bolan, Awaran, Kalat, Khuzdar, Lasbella and hill torrents of Dera Ghazi Khan on Aug 26.

Heavy rains may generate urban flooding in Potohar region, Sialkot, Narowal and Gujranwala on Au 26.

Flash flooding is expected in local nullahs of Islamabad/Rawalpindi, Abbottabad, Mansehra, Dir, Swat, Kohistan, Karak, Bannu, Lakki Marwat and Kashmir on Aug 26.

Rainfall may trigger landslides in Kashmir, hilly areas of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Galiyat, Murree, Chillas, Diamer, Gilgit, Hunza, Astore, Ghizer and Skardu during the forecast period.

Travellers and tourists have been advised to remain cautious during the forecast period.

Published in Dawn, August 26th, 2022