Brief rainfall paralyzes Abbottabad city, highlights drainage failures

ABBOTTABAD, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 30th Apr, 2026) A brief spell of rain on Wednesday evening disrupted normal life in Abbottabad, causing widespread waterlogging and brought the traffic system to a standstill.

Major roads, including PMA Bypass, Kakul Road, Main Mansehra Road, Mandian Road, and Supply Link Road, were inundated as rainwater accumulated, leading to long queues of vehicles and severe inconvenience for commuters.

At Ayub Teaching Hospital, rainwater leakage from the roofs created additional difficulties for patients and hospital staff.

Residents criticized the authorities, stating that despite billions of rupees spent under the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Cities Improvement Program (KPCIP), the drainage system has not been effectively improved.

They pointed out that encroachments on drainage channels and poor maintenance result in rainwater entering roads, homes, and business centers every year, causing repeated losses.

Locals expressed strong frustration, saying that after every rainy season, political leaders and relevant institutions make tall claims, but practical measures remain minimal.

Citizens have demanded immediate action to improve the drainage system and ensure the removal of encroachments on drainage channels to prevent such situations in the future.