Rawalpindi and Islamabad experienced heavy rainfall on Wednesday, resulting in water accumulation across several low-lying neighborhoods. Authorities responded by placing all relevant departments on high alert to manage the situation effectively.
The twin cities recorded an average rainfall of 16 millimeters, with Saidpur receiving the highest at 45mm, followed by H-8 with 30mm, New Kattarian 12mm, Pirwadhai 4mm, and Shamsabad 2mm. Meanwhile, the water level in Nullah Lai at Kattarian rose to 11 feet, raising concerns among officials.
In a significant development, the Rawalpindi Deputy Commissioner ordered all departments to maintain heightened vigilance, declaring a rain emergency in the city to coordinate response efforts.
This latest rainfall came after an intense downpour on Tuesday, which saw Rawalpindi receive 230mm of rain. The heavy rains transformed streets and roads into flowing streams and caused flooding in numerous low-lying residential areas. Several vehicles were submerged, and traffic disruptions were reported at multiple points across the twin cities.
Tragically, two fatalities were reported during Tuesday’s rain-related incidents: one individual died from an electric shock at a residence in Rawalpindi, and another lost their life due to a roof collapse in Islamabad.
Meanwhile, Water and Sanitation Agency (WASA) officials continued to monitor the flow in Nullah Lai closely. On Wednesday, water levels stood at five feet in Kattarian and three feet in Gawalmandi, with teams equipped with heavy machinery deployed to assist in vulnerable low-lying areas.
On Tuesday, the water level at Kattarian had surged to 28.5 feet and reached 23 feet at Gawalmandi, prompting authorities to advise residents living near Nullah Lai to relocate temporarily to safer locations. Additionally, the Rawal Dam spillways were opened after the water level hit 1,751.90 feet to manage the excess inflow.
In response to the severe weather, Rawalpindi authorities declared a rain emergency and ordered schools to close. Similarly, several schools in Islamabad suspended in-person classes and transitioned to online learning to ensure student safety.
