Residents of Islamabad frequently experience a mix of relief and anxiety when it rains a lot. The city, which is tucked away in the foothills of the Margallas, is stunning when it rains. After extended periods of heat, the cold breeze provides relief, the dust is removed, and the trees shine. The sight of mist pouring down from the hills and the sound of rain tapping on rooftops make Islamabad seem more like a hill station than a capital city to many. Poets are inspired, the landscape is revitalized, and reservoirs that are essential for water supply are filled during this time. However, there is a cost associated with this inherent beauty. The city's infrastructure is unable to keep up with the intensity of the downpour.
Main roads like Blue Area and Aabpara rapidly flood, drains overflow, and commuters are stuck in traffic for hours. Water can occasionally leak into houses and businesses in low-lying locations, causing damage to possessions and upsetting everyday routines. Islamabad is not an exception to the Pakistan Meteorological Department's warning that climate change is making rainfall more erratic and powerful. Flash flooding and erosion result from what were once sporadic monsoon showers becoming more and more like abrupt cloudbursts. These difficulties show how urgently improved city planning is needed. According to experts, the capital needs better stormwater drains, more stringent regulations on building in natural water channels, and increased public awareness of the need to keep drains clear of the plastic debris that frequently clogs them.
At the same time, heavy rain also reveals the resilience of Islamabad’s people. Neighbors help clear blocked drains, drivers assist one another on waterlogged roads, and social media becomes a space for sharing updates and advice. In the end, heavy rain in Islamabad is both a blessing and a reminder—a blessing for its beauty and relief, but a reminder that without preparation and climate-resilient infrastructure, even nature’s gifts can turn into burdens.



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