RAWALPINDI/ISLAMABAD — Torrential rain in Rawalpindi and Islamabad has flooded low-lying areas, with water entering homes in several locations, while the administration has announced a holiday for educational institutions today.
According to the Meteorological Department, the highest rainfall of 201 millimetres was recorded at Shamsabad. New Katarian received 186mm, Golra 157mm, and 146mm was recorded at the PMD site.
In view of the heavy rainfall, a rain emergency has been imposed in Rawalpindi, while the Water and Sanitation Agency (WASA), Rescue 1122, Civil Defence and Solid Waste Management have been placed on high alert.
Several low-lying areas and major roads in the twin cities have been inundated. Several feet of water accumulated on Old Airport Road, Rahimabad Bridge and Murree Road near Committee Chowk, among other roads. The flooding led to long queues of vehicles, leaving citizens facing hours-long traffic jams.
In Islamabad’s Sector G-14, a person was killed and another seriously injured after the roof of a house collapsed due to the rain. The injured person was immediately shifted to PIMS Hospital.
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In Chak Shahzad, accumulated rainwater on roads caused severe difficulties for students of COMSATS University. Several candidates appearing for an entrance test at Shaheed Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto Medical University were also unable to reach their examination centre on time.
Meanwhile, the water level at Rawal Dam has reached 1,751 feet, following which the administration has decided to open the dam’s spillways.
Amid the worsening situation, sirens were sounded around Nullah Lai to alert nearby populations. According to the Managing Director of WASA, the water flow in Nullah Lai was recorded at 27 feet at Katarian and 21 feet at the Gawalmandi point. Heavy machinery has been deployed at sensitive locations.
The WASA managing director appealed to citizens to avoid leaving their homes unnecessarily. Rawalpindi Deputy Commissioner Captain (Retd.) Nadeem Nasir said WASA, Rescue 1122 and other relevant departments had been placed on alert, while Nullah Lai and other drains were being continuously monitored.
On the directives of the Punjab chief minister, district administration and Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) teams are present in the field, with the situation being monitored round the clock.
The PDMA director general has directed relevant departments to ensure the prompt removal of water from low-lying areas and locations where drainage is obstructed.
A PDMA spokesperson urged citizens to take precautionary measures, advising them to stay away from electricity poles and hanging wires. Residents were also warned not to allow children near water accumulated in low-lying areas.
In case of any emergency, citizens can contact the PDMA helpline at 1129.
