Shafaqna Pakistan: Authorities in Islamabad and Rawalpindi closed schools and other educational institutions on Tuesday after heavy rainfall battered the twin cities, causing water levels in several areas to rise to hazardous levels.
According to the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD), the downpour began at around 3:20am on Monday night and continued until 8am, with several parts of the two cities receiving intense rainfall.
Rawalpindi Deputy Commissioner Captain (retd) Nadeem Nasir placed all relevant departments on high alert and advised residents living near Nullah Lai to relocate to safer areas amid the risk of flooding.
Rescue 1122 teams were deployed along Nullah Lai, while the district administration instructed emergency response teams to remain on standby to deal with any potential situation.
The Water and Sanitation Agency (Wasa) said a rain emergency had been declared in Nullah Lai’s catchment areas due to heavy rainfall.
Wasa teams and heavy machinery were deployed in low-lying areas, including Liaquat Bagh, Committee Chowk underpass, Murree Road, Dhok Khaba, Circular Road and Sadiqabad.
The Wasa managing director said that Nullah Lai was being continuously monitored along with drains across the city, while sirens were sounded as water flow increased.
According to Wasa, water flow at Katarian reached 29 feet, while the level at the Gowalmandi bridge rose to 24 feet.
The administration said a major flood surge was passing through Nullah Lai, with a possibility of further water entering Rawalpindi from Islamabad.
The highest rainfall in Rawalpindi was recorded at Shamsabad, where 197 millimetres were measured, while New Katarian received 185mm and Golra recorded 157mm, according to PMD.
Other reported totals included 152mm in H-8, 98mm at Saidpur Village, 86mm in Pirwadhai, 72mm in I-12 and 72mm at Chaklala, the Met Office said.
Several low-lying areas were reported inundated, including Safdarabad, Sadiqabad, Dhoke Khaba, Pirwadhai, Fauji Colony, Javed Colony and Arya Mohalla.
DC Nasir, who reached Nullah Lai, directed the immediate drainage of accumulated water and ordered additional Wasa teams to reach affected areas.
Government and private educational institutions were closed for the day in the twin cities.
Wasa urged citizens to avoid unnecessary travel and said personnel would continue monitoring the situation in low-lying areas.
Rawalpindi records 200mm of rain
Rawalpindi has recorded 200 millimetres of rain, the highest rainfall in three years, DC Nasir said.
“The biggest impact of the rain is on Nullah Lai,” he said in an interview, explaining that drains flowing into it were backing up and pushing water into surrounding areas.
He said the water level at Katarian was currently at its highest point, with the resulting pressure affecting the Gawalmandi area.
“We are hoping the situation will start returning to normal within an hour,” the deputy commissioner said.
DC Nasir said the rise in Nullah Lai had caused water from adjoining drains to enter nearby residential areas. He added that water would begin receding from low-lying neighbourhoods once the level in the drain fell.
“Evacuation teams have been sent to low-lying areas,” he said, adding that the Pakistan Army, Rescue 1122, the Pakistan Rangers and other institutions were present to assist the administration.
The deputy commissioner said Pakistan Army’s 111 Brigade was also in contact with the district administration and would provide assistance if required.
“We have received only two emergency calls so far,” DC Nasir said, adding that water accumulation in some areas was a normal occurrence during heavy rainfall.
He said the closure of educational institutions applied to areas within the city, as water had also accumulated on major roads and could have created difficulties for children travelling to and from schools.
source: Geo News
