Two die, several hurt as heavy rains batter country's northern parts

LAHORE/PESHAWAR: At least two people died and several others injured in rain related incidents in northern Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, ARY News reported on Wednesday. 

Two women died and several other people injured in incidents of roof collapse in Narowal and Jhelum cities of Punjab. However, the identification of deceased could not be ascertained immediately.

After several hours of heavy rainfall in the twin cities, Rawalpindi and Islamabad, the water level in drains was raised to alarming level. Roads in twin cities were submerged under rainwater in different localities adding to the civic problems of the area.

Several civic issues surfaced in many northern Punjab cities in the aftermath of the downpour including rising of water level at nullahs, disruption in traffic flow, and hours-long power outages.

Meanwhile, Peshawar city witnessed inundation and power outages due to faulty feeders while water entering houses, several government buildings and hospitals.

Poorly-built homes, particularly in rural areas, are most susceptible to collapse during heavy monsoon rains each year.

According to Meteorological Department, rain with thunderstorm occurred at scattered places in Peshawar, Hazara, Sahiwal divisions, upper Punjab and Kashmir, whereas weather remained hot and humid in other parts of the country during last 24-hours.

Total Rainfall recorded during this time span in Punjab at Mangla 53mm, Mianwali 42mm, Sialkot (A/P 39mm, City 18mm), Kamra 35mm, Murree 22mm, Gujrat21mm, Gujranwala 14mm and in federal territory of Islamabad at Saidpur 08mm and Golra 03mm.

Rain-thunderstorm with few heavy falls are expected at scattered places in Kashmir, upper Punjab, federal capital Islamabad and upper Khaber Pakhtunkhwa; while at isolated places in KP, South Punjab and FATA during the next 24 hours. However, hot and humid weather to grip other parts of the country, met department predicted.