Twin cities grapple with landslides, traffic gridlocks

With major roads impassable & diversions in place, citizens navigate through turmoil

RAWALPINDI:

Intermittent rains have severely impacted normal life in the twin cities and surrounding regions as landslides caused by the downpours swept away major roads, disrupting traffic flow. Reports indicate that the Rawalpindi-Murree-Kashmir Road, particularly at Barori, and Malot Sattian in Kotli Sattian have been severely impacted, rendering a significant portion impassable.

The persistent rain showers have not relented in Rawalpindi, Islamabad, Murree, and adjacent areas, accompanied by strong winds and storms, which led to uprooted trees and disrupted traffic flow. In Murree, landslides and fallen trees at Barori and Malot Sattian further exacerbated the situation, necessitating immediate action from city traffic police and relevant authorities.

To manage the chaos, city traffic police have restricted the entry of large vehicles on affected highways and established diversions at key points for alternative routes. Commuters are advised to use the Murree Expressway when travelling between the twin cities and Murree Ayubia. Additionally, an advisory has been issued urging caution on the roads, especially in rainy conditions, and compliance with traffic regulations.

In Kotli Sattian, local police responded to reports of impassable roads due to landslides and fallen trees, ensuring the clearance of the highway to resume light traffic. Deputy Commissioner Irfan Ali Kathia provided updates on the weather forecast for Murree and surrounding areas, warning of further rainfall and emphasising the need for precautionary measures.

Meanwhile, in Rawalpindi, landslides on Murree Road have led to road collapses, prompting traffic diversions and clearance operations using heavy machinery. The Police department has mobilised emergency equipment to support the Murree administration in managing the crisis and minimising damage to life and property.

Efforts are underway to mitigate the impact of the inclement weather, with emergency helplines established for residents to seek assistance and report emergencies. Cooperation between various agencies is vital in ensuring the safety and well-being of the affected communities during this challenging period.

As per the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD), a westerly wave prevails over most parts of Balochistan. It will likely grip the upper parts of Pakistan on Thursday.

Under the influence of this weather system, more rain-wind/thunderstorms are expected across Balochistan on Wednesday evening and night. Heavy hailstorms are also expected in a few places. Thunderstorms are also expected at a few places in southern Punjab and Sindh.

On Thursday and Friday, rain-wind/thunderstorms with few heavy falls/hailstorms are expected in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan, Kashmir, Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Punjab, Balochistan and upper/southwest Sindh.

Islamabad’s maximum temperatures will remain between 27-29 degrees Celsius on Thursday and 24-26 C on Friday.

Rawalpindi’s maximum temperatures will remain between 26-28 C on Thursday and 25-27 C on Friday.

Published in The Express Tribune, April 30^th, 2024.