Twin cities under a wave of fresh cold

Rush at warm clothes shops, second-hand markets

ISLAMABAD/RAWALPINDI:

The downpour on Sunday forced the Rawalpindi and Islamabad locals to take out warm clothes.

The use of soups, tea and coffee has also increased as chilly weather gripped the neighbouring Murree and snowfall blanketed several areas of Galiyat.

Stalls of soups, fish, and other food items have sprouted up in different parts of Rawalpindi and Islamabad while many locals have started preparing them at homes too amid inflation.

The flea markets in the garrison city witnessed high foot-fall on Sunday with buyers looking for warm jackets, shoes, and other winter paraphernalia.

However, the shopkeepers fleeced the people and many could not buy items of their choice citing unaffordability. The people complained that even shopping from a flea market had become difficult.

Further, the gas pressure has started depleting in different areas of the garrison city with the onset of winters. Therefore, many locals are opting for coal and woods to burn a fire for different purposes but decrying their soaring rates.

Meanwhile, the intermittent downpour in Murree is underway since the wee hours of Sunday. The breeze following the rain has made windows shut as the temperature has dropped drastically.

Snow flurry was reported in some parts of Galiyat too. The visitors to the hill station are enjoying chilly weather and excitedly waiting for the first snowfall of the season in Murree.

The metrological department has predicted the continuation of intermittent rainfall during the next 24 hours.

Moreover, Kaghan Valley has already been covered by the snow blanket as the snowfall is in continuation during the past two days.

Different parts of the valley Shugran have witnessed snow up to 2-ft. The temperature in most of the valley has gone beneath freezing point and tourists from different parts of the country have camped in there.

Hazara Commissioner immediately ensured clearance of road till Naran which had been covered by snow.

Moreover, Health experts said that the rain spell would inflict a positive impact on the health as it would settle down pollutants in the air.

They, however, ruled down that it would not make any difference to the novel coronavirus situation in Rawalpindi and therefore suggested using masks and implement precautionary guidelines.

Health experts recommended the use of hot beverages like black tea and coffee along with dry fruits to boost the immunity system.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 16^th, 2020.