Heavy rain in Rawalpindi and Islamabad has flooded low-lying areas, with the water level in Nullah Lai reaching 17 feet at Kattarian.
The torrential downpour caused widespread flooding across the twin cities. Golra received 144 millimetres of rain, while 132mm was recorded in Bokra.
Meanwhile, Pirwadhai received 105mm, Gawalmandi 77mm, Shamsabad 41mm and Kacheri 60mm of rain.
Due to the heavy rainfall, the water flow at Gawalmandi Bridge rose to 15 feet. Floodwater also entered homes in Dhok Khabba and Sadiqabad.
The district administration has advised residents living near Nullah Lai to remain cautious.
Heavy rain in Rawalpindi; WASA imposes rain emergency
Heavy rain continues in Rawalpindi, Islamabad and surrounding areas, inundating low-lying areas. The Water and Sanitation Agency (WASA) has imposed a rain emergency in Rawalpindi.
WASA Rawalpindi is on high alert due to the torrential downpour. The WASA Managing Director said the current spell is the heaviest of the ongoing monsoon season, with more than 140 millimetres of rain recorded so far.
Low-lying areas of Chaklala Cantonment Board have been flooded, while rainwater has accumulated on roads and streets. Murree Road, Dhok Khabba and areas around Jamia Masjid Road and Sadiqabad have also been affected. WASA’s heavy machinery and staff are engaged in drainage operations.
Residents of Javed Colony, Nadeem Colony and Muslim Colony have been advised to move to safer locations.
According to the WASA MD, heavy machinery and staff have been deployed for drainage operations at Liaquat Bagh, Committee Chowk Underpass, Murree Road, Sadiqabad, City Saddar Road, Dhok Khabba, Millat Colony and Arya Mohalla. Nullah Lai and other drains across the city are also being continuously monitored.
The WASA MD said the water level at Kattarian reached 20 feet, while 17 feet was recorded at Gawalmandi Bridge.
Earlier, the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) Punjab issued an alert for the sixth spell of monsoon rains across the province, forecasting rainfall in most districts from the night of August 16 to August 21.
According to a PDMA spokesperson, rain is expected in Rawalpindi, Murree, Galiyat, Jhelum, Chakwal, Talagang, Attock, Sialkot, Narowal, Mandi Bahauddin, Gujrat, Gujranwala, Hafizabad and Wazirabad. Rainfall is also forecast in Lahore, Kasur, Okara, Sheikhupura, Nankana Sahib, Sargodha, Khushab, Mianwali and Noorpur Thal.
Meanwhile, Faisalabad, Jhang, Toba Tek Singh, Layyah, Bhakkar, Sahiwal, Pakpattan, Bahawalnagar, Bahawalpur and Dera Ghazi Khan may receive rain on August 20 and 21. The ongoing monsoon rains across the country have significantly changed the situation in rivers, dams and water reservoirs. Tarbela Dam has reached its maximum conservation level, while the water level in Mangla Dam has risen to 68%. Continued rainfall has increased river flows, raising concerns about possible flooding in several areas.
On the other hand, low-level flood conditions are currently being reported at Tarbela, Kalabagh, Chashma and Taunsa along the Indus River. Relevant authorities are closely monitoring the situation, while further increases in water flows are possible if rainfall continues. According to the Meteorological Department, low-level flooding is possible in the Ravi and Chenab rivers over the next 24 to 48 hours. The department has also warned that moderate flooding could occur in tributaries and connected rivers from August 17 to 19.
The increased inflow of water from upper areas due to continued rainfall is considered a key factor affecting river conditions. Relevant departments have been directed to maintain precautionary measures and closely monitor the situation. The Meteorological Department has forecast rain, strong winds and thunderstorms in Islamabad, Kashmir and several parts of Punjab during the next 24 hours. Heavy rainfall has been forecast in several districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, including Peshawar, Mardan, Swat, Abbottabad and Haripur. Rainfall may also increase water flows in the upper reaches of the Indus River.
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