Torrential Rains Paralyse Life in Rawalpindi and Islamabad

Heavy rainfall lasting more than nine hours lashed the twin cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad on Monday, flooding roads and low-lying neighbourhoods. The downpour brought a sudden chill in the air but also caused severe traffic jams, power outages and waterlogging. Residents in several areas were forced to wade through knee-deep water as rescue teams worked to clear blocked drains. For many, it was another reminder of the fragile state of urban drainage systems in Pakistan’s major cities.