Heavy rain lashes Islamabad, Rawalpindi and Swat

Islamabad and Rawalpindi received heavy rain accompanied by thunder and lightning, while strong showers were also reported in Swat and Malakand.

The heavy downpour disrupted electricity supply in several areas, leaving residents without power.

Authorities have advised residents living along the banks of the Swat River to move to safer locations as a precautionary measure.

Citizens have also been urged to stay away from rivers, streams and other waterways amid the risk of rising water levels.

Residents have been advised to remain alert and follow official safety instructions as further rain is expected in several areas.

Earlier, The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) issued a weather advisory on Wednesday predicting more rain in the upper regions of the country over the weekend, particularly in the Potohar region and Islamabad.

The Met office said that monsoon currents were penetrating the upper parts of the country, according to the advisory issued at 3pm on Wednesday. It added that a westerly wave was also affecting these regions and likely to strengthen on September 4-5 (Friday and Saturday).

Under the influence of this weather system, it said that rain-wind and thundershowers — with isolated heavy falls — were expected in Kashmir’s Neelum Valley, Muzaffarabad, Rawalakot, Poonch, Hattian, Bagh, Haveli, Sudhanoti, Kotli, Bhimber and Mirpur from Thursday to Sunday, with occasional gaps.