Rain likely from Monday

Rawalpindi

The residents of twin cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad currently bearing the hottest weather of the season so far have good news. Pakistan Metrological Department has forecast rain and windstorm from Monday till Thursday.

Pakistan Metrological Department (PMD) Director Dr Muhammad Hanif told ‘The News’ that people of twin cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad are facing hot weather for some days as temperature is exceeding to 38 degree Celsius. This spell of hot weather will end after a day and pleasant weather start from Monday, he predicted. He also said that rain followed by windstorm will start from Monday night to Thursday. But, the month of May will be hottest here in twin cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad, he also warned.

Meanwhile, Thursday proved to be the first hottest day of summer season as twin cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad sizzled 38 degree Celsius. The scorching heat coupled with prolonged power cuts and scarce supply of drinking water made the lives of the residents miserable while all markets particularly Raja Bazaar, Commercial Market, China Market, Bara Market etc were presenting a deserted look as the harsh weather kept the visitors confined to their homes.

Health experts have advised people to use excessive water and suggested parents to cover the heads of children with caps to avoid scorching heat.

The heat wave affected the residents more in Rawalpindi because it is more populous and congested. Many localities had to brave short supply of water as the tube wells remained dysfunctional in the absence of long hours of electricity. Some of localities including Soan, Defence Road, Adiala Road, Sher Zaman Colony, Rawat and several other areas facing 10 hours loadshedding for some days.

Islamabad Electric Supply Company (Iesco) Executive Engineer (XEN) Rawalpindi Muhammad Kashif Shah said that they are trying to observe scheduled loadshedding. But, weather was severe for some days. “I will take notice for long hours of loadshedding in some localities,” he assured.

Most of tube wells remained switched off during loadshedding hours as there were no generators. Absence of electricity means absence of water and if the power cuts get prolonged, people demand water tankers.

Taj Muhammad Abbasi a water tanker supplier here at Adiala Road said that they have increased tanker rates to Rs700 from Rs600. “We are helpless before this situation as we are facing long hours of load shedding for some days,” he denounced.