Heavy rain continued to lash Rawalpindi and Islamabad on Wednesday, causing water levels in Nullah Lai to rise sharply and triggering alerts for residents living in low-lying areas.
City administration officials said the water level at Kattarian had crossed 22 feet, while it reached 16 feet near Gawalmandi Bridge. Earlier readings had put the levels at around 19 feet and 15 feet, respectively.
Authorities sounded warning sirens in areas surrounding Nullah Lai and advised residents to remain alert as the water level continued to rise. A low-lying area alert has been issued around Kattarian, while a pre-alert remains in place for Gawalmandi.
Rescue 1122 teams made announcements in communities along Nullah Lai, urging residents to avoid unnecessary travel and exercise extreme caution. Officials also warned people to keep children away from storm-water drains and electricity poles to prevent accidents.
Rain has continued intermittently across the twin cities since Monday night. The latest rainfall figures showed 66mm in Saidpur, 63mm in Pirwadhai and 52mm in New Kattarian, while other areas also received significant rainfall.
Roads flooded, traffic disrupted
Heavy rain has severely disrupted traffic across Rawalpindi, with Murree Road and the Islamabad Expressway facing major congestion. Several roads have been inundated, leaving cars and motorcycles stranded and slowing traffic.
The Chaklala and Ammar Chowk areas have also been badly affected by accumulated rainwater. The road from Katcheri Chowk towards the Murree Road turn has been blocked, while standing water has also been reported at the AFIC entrance on GT Road.
Motorists have been advised to drive cautiously, keep to the right where possible and avoid unnecessary travel as road conditions remain hazardous.
WASA teams deployed in low-lying areas
WASA Managing Director Azizullah Khan said teams had been deployed along Nullah Lai and in low-lying areas to monitor the situation and respond to emergencies.
Heavy machinery has been positioned in Sadiqabad, Dhok Khaba, Pirwadhai, Arya Mohalla and Bohar Bazaar to facilitate drainage operations.
WASA had earlier stationed machinery at Liaquat Bagh, Committee Chowk Underpass, Murree Road, Dhok Khaba, Circular Road and Sadiqabad following the onset of intermittent rain on Monday night.
The WASA chief urged citizens not to throw waste into drains and sewers or remove sewer covers, warning that such practices could obstruct the drainage system.
Residents have been advised to contact the WASA helpline at 1334 in case of an emergency.
The Pakistan Meteorological Department has forecast further rain, strong winds and thunderstorms across Islamabad and upper Punjab until August 21, with occasional breaks. The Met Office has warned that heavy rainfall could trigger urban flooding in low-lying areas of Rawalpindi and Islamabad and urged authorities and residents to remain vigilant.
Also read: Heavy traffic jam in Islamabad as torrential rain continues
