Light to heavy rain in several cities, including Lahore, and snowfall over the hills lowered temperatures in the country. The much-anticipated rain is expected to bring relief to the citizens suffering due to the poor air quality amid prolonged dry spell.  The Met office said the current rain spell would continue till Feb 21.   The rain severely disrupted Lahore Electric Supply Company’s (LESCO) transmission system, leaving citizens frustrated.

Dozens of feeders tripped due to the rain and technical faults, leading to power outages in multiple areas.  Rain was also reported from Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Faisalabad, Peshawar, Quetta, Kasur, Attock, Kalabagh, Bhakkar, Darya Khan, Nankana Sahib, Muridke, Hangu, and Ghotki.   The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has warned that heavy snowfall may cause road closures and slippery conditions in hilly areas from the night of Feb 19 to the morning of Feb 21.   

The PMD has indicated the possibility of landslides and avalanches in hilly areas of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan, Kashmir, Murree, and Galliyat during this period. The tourists have been advised to remain extra cautious and avoid unnecessary travel.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP)