Rain, snowfall disrupt life across K-P

Peshawar received more intermittent rainfall on Tuesday as part of a westerly wave that has entered the country. The Meteorological Department predicts continued rain and snowfall in hill stations over the next three days.

In upper regions of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, snowfall has intensified the cold, while Peshawar recorded 9mm of rain. The downpour, which began last night, has created transportation difficulties in mountainous areas and affected other parts of the province.

In Peshawar, low-lying areas have been submerged, leading to power outages in several neighborhoods. Water accumulation on roads caused severe traffic congestion on GT Road, with delays lasting two to three hours. The sharp drop in temperature has led residents to pull out their warm clothing again. After a brief spell of warm, sunny days, the return of cold weather has also sparked an increase in demand for hot snacks, with markets witnessing a rush for pakoras and samosas in the evenings. Meanwhile, snowfall in mountainous areas has compounded difficulties for locals, though the Agriculture Department has termed the rain beneficial for crops.

The Cantonment Board Peshawar (CBP) has mobilized additional sanitation staff and mechanics to manage waterlogging and drainage issues in Cantt areas. These teams are working round the clock to clear stagnant water and ensure the smooth flow of the sewage system. A CBP spokesperson stated that their teams are working tirelessly to keep Cantt areas safe and maintain infrastructure during this weather. The safety and well-being of citizens remain their top priority, urging everyone to follow safety precautions during this period.

To minimize risks, CBP has advised residents to avoid contact with electric poles and wires to prevent electrical hazards in wet conditions, refrain from walking or driving through flooded streets as open manholes or strong currents may pose serious dangers, report stagnant water or drainage issues promptly to ensure a swift response from sanitation teams, keep children indoors and limit exposure to hazardous weather conditions, and ensure drainage areas remain unobstructed to prevent localized flooding.