ISLAMABAD: Rainwater entered the premises of Benazir Bhutto International Airport as heavy downpour with gusty winds lashed twin cities and adjoining areas on early Friday morning.

Despite several hours, the airport authorities were not able to drain out the rainwater, creating inconvenience for the passengers as their luggage were completely drenched from the rain. The rainwater also entered houses and streets. It also accumulated in bazaars and affected the number of shoppers.

The rain also disrupted electricity supply in both the cities, which could not be restored in several localities for hours. Army troops have been put on alert in Rawalpindi and were seen on the streets to respond instantly for rescue efforts.

Army personnel on a Rawalpindi street. Picture: Geo News 

Rain emergency has been imposed in the hospitals to avoid any unforeseen development.

According to Pakistan Metrological Department (PMD), Chaklala and Shamsabad areas of Rawalpindi received 72mm, 54mm rainfall respectively; meanwhile, in Islamabad: Bokra received 45mm, Golra received 36mm and Zero point area received 22mm rainfall.

The PMD in its weather forecast for next 24 hours predicted that Rain-thunderstorm accompanied by gusty winds is expected at scattered places in upper KP (Malakand, Hazara, Peshawar, Kohat, Mardan divisions), upper Punjab (Rawalpindi, Gujranwala, Sargodha, Lahore divisions), Islamabad, FATA and Kashmir. Rain-thunderstorm with gusty winds is also expected at isolated places in Gilgit-Baltistan, Bannu, Faisalabad and Sahiwal divisions. Hot and humid weather is expected elsewhere in the country.