- Rawalpindi admin sounded flood-warning sirens as water levels rose.
- Nullah Lai water levels fell after rainfall temporarily eased in Pindi.
- Rescue 1122 urges caution amid intermittent rain in twin cities.
The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) on Wednesday issued a flood alert for Rawalpindi’s Nullah Lai after three days of continuous rainfall in the twin cities since Monday.
The Rawalpindi administration earlier sounded flood-warning sirens as heavy rain intensified, with the water level at Kattarian crossing 22 feet and reaching 16 feet near Gawalmandi Bridge, up from earlier readings of 19 feet and 15 feet, respectively.
Rainfall later eased in Rawalpindi and Islamabad, allowing water levels in Nullah Lai to fall after the channel reached its day’s peak. According to the flood control room, the water level at Kattarian fell to 17 feet from 21 feet, while the level at Gawalmandi stood at 17 feet.
However, intermittent rain continued in parts of the twin cities, while the Met Office forecast more rain, wind and thundershowers in several upper and central parts of the country through August 21, with occasional gaps. Heavy rainfall is also expected during the period.
Heavy rain recorded in twin cities
Rawalpindi received 67mm of rain at Pirwadhai, 59mm at New Kattarian, 55mm at Shamsabad and 47mm at Katcheri, according to the PMD.
Islamabad also recorded heavy rainfall, with 90mm reported at Saidpur, 81mm at Golra, 78mm at Zero Point and 70mm at Bokra.
The weather department said monsoon currents were penetrating the upper parts of the country, while a westerly wave was also affecting the region. Hot and humid weather will prevail elsewhere in the country.
Flooding has affected several parts of Rawalpindi amid continued rainfall, creating an emergency situation around Nullah Lai and surrounding areas.
Floodwater has inundated homes in Dhok Khaba, Pirwadhai and Amarpura, while water accumulation on Murree Road and adjoining areas has disrupted traffic.
Roads in Kohati Bazaar and Dhok Khaba have been inundated, leaving several vehicles submerged in floodwater.
Water has also entered a madrasah (seminary) in the city’s Saddar area, where around 550 students are present, while 150 children have been shifted to a safer location.
Rescue 1122 issues safety advisory
Earlier, Rescue 1122 made announcements in areas surrounding Nullah Lai, urging residents to avoid unnecessary travel and exercise caution amid rising water levels.
Rescue officials also advised residents to keep children away from stormwater drains and electricity poles to prevent accidents during the rain. Communities living along Nullah Lai were urged to follow safety instructions and remain vigilant.
Wasa teams deployed along Nullah Lai
Water and Sanitation Agency (Wasa) Managing Director Azizullah Khan said teams had been deployed along Nullah Lai and in low-lying areas to monitor water levels and respond to emergencies.
Heavy machinery was also deployed in Sadiqabad, Dhok Khaba, Pirwadhai, Arya Mohalla and Bohar Bazaar, he said.
Azizullah said garbage carried into Nullah Lai during the previous spell of rain had been removed in time, allowing water to flow normally without obstruction.
He urged residents not to dump waste into drains and sewers or remove sewer covers, warning that such practices could obstruct drainage.
