MANSEHRA: A fresh spell of rain in low lying areas and snowfall in upper parts of Hazara division started on Sunday turning the weather chilly.

Snow started falling in high altitude parts of the division – Kaghan, Siren and Konsh valleys – in the early morning and continued intermittently the entire day.

Roads in these valleys connecting with Mansehra-Naran-Jalkhad Road and Shinkiari-Goscha Road were blocked following heavy snowfall, causing problems to locals.

The lower parts of the division received rain, which started early morning and continued intermittently throughout the day.

In Kohat, the much-awaited heavy showers on Sunday ended the dry spell.

Kohat, Bajaur and Swabi also receive much-awaited rain

Rain was reported in Kohat, Hangu, Darra Adamkhel and Orakzai districts, where the people had been offering special prayers for rain.

In Bajaur, the rain coupled with snowfall in hilly areas turned the weather chilly on Sunday.

The residents said the rain started late Saturday night and continued till filing of this report on Sunday night.

According to the residents, hilly areas of Mamond, Nawagai and Salarzai tehsils also received heavy snow day, dipping the temperature.

The farmers welcomed the fresh spell of rain, hoping it would improve their crop yields.

However, the residents of Khar complained about suspension of electricity supply since Saturday night.

In Swabi, the farmers said first rain of winter fell on Sunday, breaking a prolonged dry spell and putting positive impact on the wheat crop, which is at a critical stage.

They said in most areas, wheat crop depended on rainfall and the delay in rain had negatively impacted its yield.

Liaqat Yousafzai, central general secretary of Kashtkar Coordinator Council, said the long dry spell had forced the growers to hold special prayers for rainfall.

Khalid Khan, district president of Kisan Board, a wing of farmers affiliated with Jamaat-i-Islami, said the policy of the successive governments had forced many farmers to say adieu to farming profession. He said if the government failed to come forward with a result-oriented policy more farmers would quit farming.

The Met office said more rainfall was expected on Monday (today) and Tuesday.

Meanwhile, the rain caused electricity supply suspension in several areas, causing consumers numerous problems.

The consumers said it was an old practice that whenever rain fell, Peshawar Electric Supply Company resorted to power suspension.

Published in Dawn, February 19th, 2024