Multan and its surrounding suburbs were brought to a near standstill on Tuesday as an unprecedented blanket of dense fog enveloped the city, reducing visibility to zero for almost half the day. The severe weather phenomenon crippled normal life, causing major disruptions across the urban landscape.
City Engulfed, Key Areas Worst Hit
Reports from numerous localities confirmed that thick fog smothered entire neighborhoods. Key areas severely affected included the Fertiliser Factory zone, Usman Ghani Road, Rasheed Abad Flyover, and Chungi No 8. The list of impacted sites extended to Suraj Miani, Dera Adda Chowk, the Gilani Flyover near Aziz Hotel, Bilal Chowk, Bawaz Sharif Road and its Flyover, and the Kumharan Wala intersection. Residents in these parts reported a complete whiteout, making navigation exceptionally hazardous.
Transport Grinds to a Halt, Public Advised
The immediate consequence of the intense fog was a massive breakdown in traffic flow. Motorists were forced to drive at a snail's pace to avoid accidents, causing long delays. Motorcyclists and pedestrians faced perhaps the greatest risk, finding it extremely difficult to travel safely to their destinations. In response to the dangerous conditions, the Meteorological Department issued a clear advisory, urging the public to avoid all non-essential travel.
The advisory laid out critical safety instructions for those who must venture out:
- The use of fog lights is mandatory for vehicles.
- Drivers must maintain a safe distance between vehicles.
- Higher speeds significantly increase the risk of collisions in such low visibility.
Cold Spell to Continue
The weather office has forecast that the current cold and wet-cold conditions are likely to persist over the next few days. The mornings, in particular, are expected to remain foggy and challenging. This prediction suggests that the travel disruptions and safety concerns experienced on Tuesday may recur, prompting authorities and citizens alike to remain vigilant and prepared for continued adverse weather affecting daily routines in Multan.
