A spell of torrential rain on Monday morning turned Peshawar into a waterlogged city, flooding roads, markets, and residential areas while disrupting public transport and daily life.
The downpour, recorded at 52 millimeters by the Meteorological Department, continued for two hours and submerged key arteries including Saddar Road, Kohat Road, University Road, Ashraf Road, and Charsadda Road. Markets in Pipal Mandi, Qissa Khwani, Kohati, and Shafi Market were badly affected as floodwater entered shops, damaging merchandise worth millions. In Jahangirpura, several Peshawari chappal's outlets were also inundated.
Overflowing drains worsened the situation, pushing filthy water into shops and homes. Residents and shopkeepers spent hours draining out the water themselves as municipal response remained absent. By noon, the inner city including Namak Mandi, Ghanta Ghar, Chowk Yadgar, Pipal Mandi, and adjoining areas, resembled a lagoon.
Electricity supply collapsed in many parts of the city, plunging entire neighborhoods into darkness for hours. Panic spread among residents living near canals and streams as rising water forced several families in Budhni, Warsak, and Kabul River belts to evacuate to safer locations.
The city's Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) service also came to a standstill. Several buses were stranded on flooded tracks in Hayatabad, Kohat Road, and Charsadda Road. Multiple BRT stations, including Peshawar Cantt and University Road, were submerged, causing severe inconvenience to commuters.
Private transport was equally disrupted, while major commercial centers remained closed due to flooding. Residents criticized the poor drainage system, saying that "the City of Flowers turned into a city of filth within minutes of rainfall."
Normal life in Peshawar remains badly affected as authorities struggle to restore order in the aftermath of the downpour.
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