RAWALPINDI: Heavy rain swept across Rawalpindi, Islamabad and surrounding areas Wednesday, bringing relief from the heat but raising the threat of localized flooding as forecasters warned of more showers and authorities stepped up monitoring of Nullah Lai and other vulnerable areas.
The Pakistan Meteorological Department said an active weather system was affecting Islamabad and surrounding areas, with more rain and thunderstorms expected in Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Taxila and Wah Cantt. Further showers were also possible in Attock, Jhelum, Murree, Galiyat and nearby areas.
Intermittent rain was reported in Jhelum, while cloudy skies and showers eased the heat. Attock also remained under cloudy conditions, with more rain forecast. Narowal received intermittent showers that caused water to accumulate in some low-lying areas, while rain was also reported in Mandi Bahauddin.
Lahore was also expected to receive rain and thunderstorms over the next 24 hours. The city was likely to remain partly cloudy and humid, with heavy showers posing a risk of localized flooding in low-lying areas.
Heavy rainfall recorded across twin cities
The twin cities received substantial rainfall overnight, with Saidpur recording up to 80 millimeters, Golra 90 millimeters and Bokra about 70 millimeters.
The PMD’s H-8 station recorded 71 millimeters, while Shamsabad received 53 millimeters and Kacheri 47 millimeters. Several other areas also recorded significant rainfall.
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The rain increased runoff from Islamabad’s catchment areas, sending more water into Nullah Lai and raising water levels in the waterway.
Nullah Lai water levels rise
Water levels in Nullah Lai rose sharply during the heaviest rainfall. The level at Katarian crossed 21 feet and briefly went above 22 feet, while water at Gawalmandi reached about 17 feet.
Authorities sounded warning sirens around Nullah Lai and advised residents living near the waterway to remain alert and move to safer locations if conditions worsened.
The Water and Sanitation Agency deployed staff and heavy machinery in vulnerable areas, including Liaquat Bagh, Committee Chowk, Murree Road, Dhoke Khabba, Circular Road, Sadiqabad, Pirwadhai and Bohar Bazaar.
Wasa Managing Director Azizullah Khan inspected Nullah Lai and other parts of the city and directed teams to continue drainage operations and monitor water levels.
Flood risk remains
The situation improved after the rain eased, with the water level at Katarian falling to about 14 feet and Gawalmandi recording around 16 feet by 8 a.m.
Despite the improvement, authorities remained on alert because further rainfall could quickly raise water levels in Nullah Lai and other local drains.
Residents were advised to avoid unnecessary travel and stay away from storm drains, waterways and electricity poles. Officials also urged parents to keep children away from drainage channels and other areas where floodwater could pose a danger.
The Flood Forecasting Division reported low-level flooding in the Indus River at Kalabagh, Chashma, Taunsa and Guddu barrages, while water levels in other major rivers remained normal.
