Winter’s first rain ends dry spell

ISLAMABAD: Rain finally arrived in the capital. Breaking the dry cold spell on Wednesday, the twin cities received an hour of shower in the evening, followed by a drizzle, which continued into the night.

The last few days had proven to be quite a test for the locals, with low visibility and a dreary atmosphere all over the city. But things changed with the season’s first rainfall. A large number of people, in high spirits, flocked to Daman-e-Koh and Pir Sohawa for a picnic.

“The rain is really a gift for us, I am realising it today,” said Zahid Sagheer, a resident of sector I-8.

The rainfall will also help reduce fog, according to weather experts. Doctors said the rain will break the dry cold, which was affecting people since winter started.

For the past few days, the weather remained extremely cold, which was causing a number of seasonal diseases. Majority of the people, especially working men and women, could be found complaining of headaches and exhaustion.

“Children were much more vulnerable to the dry cold,” said Dr Fazal Akbar. He said that he received around 10 children per day, who were suffering from pneumonia due to dry cold.

Every thing was brighter after the cold winds, followed by torrential showers, washed down the layers of settled dust.

A motorist told The Express Tribune, “The grass looks greener in the rear view mirror. I have missed rain.”

Published in The Express Tribune, December 30^th, 2010.