Intermittent heavy rain is continuing in Islamabad and Rawalpindi after days of intense humidity. The rain has made the weather pleasant, but it is also leaving roads and low-lying areas flooded, while the water level in Nullah Lai has risen.
The Water and Sanitation Agency (WASA) is on high alert to deal with the situation. According to the WASA Director General, rainfall recorded so far includes:
- Saidpur: 31 mm
- Golra: 40 mm
- Bokra: 17 mm
- Shamsabad: 13 mm
- New Katarian: 17 mm
Islamabad, Rawalpindi rain
According to the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD), Rawalpindi has received more than 50 mm of rain. Water has entered homes in several low-lying areas.
Heavy rain has also caused water to accumulate at Islamabad’s Seventh Avenue underpass, disrupting traffic.
Similarly, rainwater has flooded the Jinnah Park underpass in Rawalpindi, affecting the flow of traffic.
Water level rises in Nullah Lai
The water level in Nullah Lai, which carries rainwater from Islamabad and Rawalpindi to the Soan River, has increased slightly.
At Gawalmandi, the water level has reached 7 feet, raising concerns for nearby residential areas. At Katarian, the water level has risen to 7.5 feet.
According to the WASA Managing Director, rescue teams and WASA staff have been deployed in low-lying areas where water has entered streets and neighbourhoods.
Rainwater has entered the streets of Afandi Colony, Dhoke Kala Khan, Shakrial, Fauji Colony and Magha Singh Estate. Flooded roads and streets in low-lying areas are causing difficulties for residents.
The WASA Managing Director said staff and heavy machinery have been deployed in vulnerable areas to manage the situation.
NDMA issues monsoon, flash flood alert
Pakistan’s National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has issued a nationwide monsoon alert until August 5 on Thursday. The authority has warned of heavy rain, flash floods, urban flooding, and landslides in many parts of the country.
According to the NDMA, different areas of Gilgit-Baltistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), Balochistan, Punjab, and Sindh are expected to receive rain and heavy showers over the coming days.
It further said that heavy rain and glacier melting could increase water levels in rivers and streams. This may lead to flooding and landslides in some areas.
