Heavy rain, hailstorm batter Swat

MINGORA: Torrential rain and hailstorm battered Mingora and adjoining areas in Swat district on Saturday, causing flash floods and widespread disruption in the area.

The intense downpour led to overflowing streams and nullahs, inundating several residential neighbourhoods and commercial properties.

The rainwater entered homes and shops in many low-lying areas, damaging furniture and merchandise.

Many blamed the poor drainage infrastructure for the crisis, saying the city’s outdated sewage system fails to cope with heavy rains, leading to flooding even after short spells.

Also, roads in various parts of the city were submerged, resulting in severe traffic congestion. Long queues of vehicles were seen stuck for hours as waterlogging rendered key routes impassable. The situation worsened in low-lying areas where water accumulated up to several feet.

In the hilly outskirts, the risk of flash floods has increased significantly due to continuous rainfall. Authorities have warned locals to stay away from riverbanks and flood-prone zones. The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) personnel and rescue teams are on high alert, monitoring the situation and ready to respond to emergencies. The Meteorological Department has forecast more rain over the next 24 hours, raising concerns of further flooding and damage.