ISLAMABAD: Torrential monsoon rains severely disrupted normal life in Murree, Rawalpindi and Islamabad, triggering landslides, flooding in low-lying areas, damage to homes and shops, and the drowning of a child in a rainwater drain.
In Murree, intermittent heavy rainfall continued throughout the day, leaving large parts of the hill station inundated. A four-storey building collapsed at Lakot on the Murree Expressway following a landslide. Landslides were also reported in Jhika Gali, Kausar Colony and Dhak, placing several houses at risk.
Heavy rainfall also affected Rawalpindi and Islamabad, disrupting routine life across the twin cities. According to the Flood Control Room, the latest spell of rain began at 4:40am, with the highest rainfall of 103 millimetres recorded at Kutchery Chaklala.
The rainfall caused the water level in Nullah Lai to rise to 10 feet, prompting authorities to issue a pre-alert at Gawalmandi.
Meanwhile, a tragic incident occurred in Friends Colony on Misrial Road, where a child drowned in a rainwater drain while playing.
The heavy rain also inundated Rawalpindi’s historic Raja Bazaar. Poor drainage arrangements in the area, which was recently declared a model bazaar, allowed rainwater to enter shops, causing traders losses worth millions of rupees.
Also Read: Islamabad ATC Declares Aleema and Uzma Khan Proclaimed Offenders
Fawara Chowk and adjoining roads were also submerged. Residents said no official from the Rawalpindi Municipal Corporation was present at the site during the flooding.
Managing Director Water and Sanitation Agency (WASA) Azizullah Khan said operations were carried out to drain accumulated rainwater from Saddarabad, Dhoke Kala Khan, Gawalmandi, Millat Colony, Javed Colony, Jan Colony, Misrial Road, Girja Road, Dhamial and other low-lying areas.
