Heavy rainfall has lashed Rawalpindi and Islamabad, flooding several low lying areas and prompting authorities to announce a holiday for educational institutions in Rawalpindi.
The water level in Nullah Lai has crossed 28 feet at the Kattarian point, while the water level at Gawalmandi has reached around 23.5 feet. Rainfall of 197mm was recorded in Shamsabad, 182mm in New Kattarian and 157mm in Golra.
The intense rainfall has caused the water level in Nullah Lai to rise sharply. At Kattarian, the water level reached around 27.5 feet, while it rose to approximately 21.5 feet at Gawalmandi. Danger sirens have been sounded in areas adjoining Gawalmandi.
Rainwater has entered shops in Raja Bazaar, Jamia Masjid Road and Imambara Chowk. Several low-lying areas, including Arya Mohalla, Millat Colony, Javed Colony and Dhoke Khabba, have also been inundated.
Homes in Safdarabad, Gali Loharan and Fauji Colony near Pirwadhai have been flooded, while parts of Union Councils 4 and 5 have also been submerged. Vehicles were seen partially or completely submerged in Awan Colony, while Rawalpindi’s Model Raja Bazaar was also inundated.
With the water level in Nullah Lai continuing to rise, residents living in nearby areas have been issued an evacuation alert.
Water has also accumulated on Chaudhry Road, Service Road Saddarabad, Dhoke Kala Khan and Mochi Bazaar. A rain emergency has been imposed, with residents of low-lying areas directed to evacuate as a precautionary measure.
Meanwhile, the administration has announced a holiday for all public and private educational institutions in Rawalpindi.
The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has also forecast more rainfall across the country. Rain is expected in the upper and central parts of the country over the next 48 hours, with several areas of Gilgit-Baltistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Azad Kashmir and Punjab likely to receive showers.
The anticipated rainfall in upper regions may increase river flows and raise the risk of flooding in streams and nullahs.
Also read: Heavy rain hits Rawalpindi, Islamabad as rain emergency imposed