PHOTO:FILE
Rains also disrupted power supply in Sialkot, Faisalabad and Sahiwal districts while several complaints were registered on the power utility’s toll free number. Complaints of feeders tripping were also reported in some areas however, the electricity was restored after a few hours.
No rain, but misery showers on Tharparkar
Meanwhile, heavy rains also disrupted traffic in several areas. Commuters were stranded in traffic jams for hours after rainwater accumulated on major thoroughfares.
The rains also provided a sigh of relief for farmers who called it a blessing for their crops.
Meanwhile, the meteorological office predicted more rains in different parts of Punjab during the next few days. A Met official told Express News that moderate to heavy downpour was expected in Bahawalpur Division and Multan.
He added that 35 mm of rain was recorded in Sahiwal, 30 mm in Okara, 15 mm in Okara, 12 mm in Mianwali, 7 mm in Bahawalnager, 6 mm in Kasur and 3 mm in Sialkot.
Earlier, Met Office Spokesperson Khalid Mahmood Malik stated, “This year, Pakistan is experiencing the hottest summer as compared to previous years. Temperatures remained two to three degrees above normal.”
He predicted that the country will experience more shower spells which will bring respite from the intense heat.
Rain results in traffic jams, power failures in RY Khan
Malik maintained that in 2018, the southern half of the country experienced slightly higher temperatures compared to the north. “Therefore, due to this difference in temperatures, the country has witnessed pre-monsoon rains after mid-June,” he pointed out.
He said that pre-monsoon showers in catchment areas will help improve water levels in Mangla and Tarbela dams; the two major water reservoirs in the country. “Both have reached critical level,” the spokesman pointed out.
Published in The Express Tribune, August 20th, 2018.
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