Rain takes toll on Pakistan''s historical sites

Islamabad: Pakistan`s monsoon rain, which started Sep 3 and has ravaged human populations since then, has taken a toll on ancient ruins as well, media reported Tuesday.

Archaeologists say the ancient Greek and Buddhist ruins at Jandial and Julian near Taxila in Punjab province have suffered visible water damage due to the torrential rains, Dawn online reported.

Last week`s heavy rainfall knocked down a ten-foot long section of the four-foot wide limestone and sand wall of the 100 BC Jandial Greek temple.

At the 5th century monastery in Julian, the legendary healing Buddha - a seated figure with a hole at the navel from the Gandhara period - is showing signs of crumbling.