ISLAMABAD (PEN) : The heavy rainfall in Islamabad and Rawalpindi on Wednesday night, after nearly four months of drought, marked a moment of relief amidst an escalating water crisis. The region had suffered from prolonged dry conditions, causing severe consequences, particularly with groundwater levels dwindling dangerously low. The Water and Sanitation Agency (WASA) had been forced to declare an emergency earlier in the week, underscoring the seriousness of the situation.
For the residents of the twin cities, the showers were more than just weather—they represented a much-needed respite from the environmental and public health challenges posed by the drought. Areas like Bokra, H-8, Shamsabad, and Chaklala reported rainfall, ranging between 18mm and 22mm. These numbers, though moderate, were enough to revive hopes of temporary relief from the drought’s grip. It’s a small but significant break in what has otherwise been an exhausting dry period, affecting both everyday life and public health.
In Rawalpindi, the drought’s impacts had been felt not just in water shortages, but also through an increase in viral diseases, exacerbating the suffering of its residents. The rain provides hope of improving these conditions, if only for a brief moment, as the city has suffered from more than just water shortages—its public health was at risk too. The announcement from the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) that the rain would continue over the next few days gives hope for further relief, though it is clear that the issue is far from resolved. The respite is welcome, but it is not enough to fully undo the damage already done.
The rain did not only impact Islamabad and Rawalpindi—it was a much-needed break for other regions as well. In Kashmir, where the drought had been similarly severe, the rains finally brought an end to a prolonged dry spell, improving conditions for agriculture and local communities. The rains also reached other parts of Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, such as Lahore, Faisalabad, Gujranwala, and Hafizabad, lifting spirits across the province.
However, while the rain brought relief, it also came with challenges. In the mountainous regions, such as Murree and Galiyat, the snow attracted tourists, but the Met Office’s prediction of continued snow and rainfall poses risks for travelers and locals alike. The harsh weather, including heavy snowfall in areas like Neelum Valley, has led to treacherous conditions on the roads, making travel unsafe in certain regions. The combination of snow and rain in these high-altitude areas has already caused power outages, particularly in areas like Munda, Samarbagh, and Maidan. These outages compound the already difficult living conditions for many residents.
The ongoing cold temperatures, coupled with snow and hailstorms, have intensified the chill in regions like Karak, North Waziristan, and Bajaur, further complicating daily life. Power outages and disruptions to essential services are a harsh reminder that the consequences of these weather patterns are not limited to just water shortages but extend to widespread infrastructural and social strain.
This recent shift in weather also brings with it the added danger of landslides and avalanches, especially in the mountainous and hilly areas of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan, Kashmir, and Murree. The PMD’s warning of possible landslides and avalanches paints a clear picture of how fragile the region’s infrastructure can be in the face of severe weather conditions. This kind of instability adds another layer of concern, particularly for vulnerable populations living in or traveling through these high-risk areas.
While the rains provide a temporary reprieve from the devastating drought, they also serve as a stark reminder of the delicate balance between nature’s forces and human systems. The drought had already taken a toll on water resources, public health, and the environment, and now, the rains—while providing hope—also bring their own challenges. Communities must prepare for continued weather extremes and the possibility of more disruptions in the days ahead. The unpredictable nature of these weather patterns underscores the vulnerability of the region to climate change and the urgent need for sustainable water management and disaster preparedness.
