ISLAMABAD (Kashmir English): Rain in various areas of the federal capital Islamabad and Rawalpindi has made the weather pleasant, while there are reports of water entering houses at several locations in Rawalpindi.
Heavy rainfall sounded alarms in Rawalpindi. After the water level in Nullah Lai rose to a dangerous point, the evacuation of citizens from the areas of Gwalmandi and Katarian has begun.
The spell of rain that started at 1 am continued until morning, causing the water level in Nullah Lai to rise continuously. In view of the situation, sirens for flood risk were also sounded in Rawalpindi and Islamabad.
According to a private TV channel, the Rawalpindi district administration has sought assistance from the Pakistan Army to deal with the emergency situation.
The water level at the Katarian point of Nullah Lai reached 22 feet, while the water rose to a level of 17.5 feet at the Gwalmandi point.
According to officials, within just half an hour, the water level at Katarian rose from 21.5 feet to 22 feet and at Gwalmandi from 15 feet to 17.5 feet.
Islamabad, Rawalpindi rain stats
According to statistics, the highest rainfall of 113 mm was recorded in the Golra area of Islamabad, while 71 mm was recorded in Saidpur Village, 57 mm in H-8, and 45 mm in Bokra, sector I-12.
In Rawalpindi, 59 mm of rain was recorded in New Katarian, 51 mm in Pirwadhai, 45 mm in Shamsabad and Gwalmandi, while 33 mm of rain was recorded near Kutchery in Chaklala area. The average rainfall record in the twin cities stood at 75.44 mm.
Following the rise in the water level of Nullah Lai, an alert has been issued in low-lying areas, while the process of moving citizens to safe locations in Gwalmandi and Katarian is underway.
The administration has instructed citizens to take precautionary measures and avoid unnecessary movement around Nullah Lai.
Rain has also been recorded in Muzaffarabad, the capital of Azad Kashmir, and several other places, turning the weather pleasant.
WASA and relevant agencies have been put on alert to deal with the potential situation after heavy rain in Rawalpindi.
Rain occurred in various areas of Islamabad including F-7/4, Blue Area, G-6, and Shakarparian, after which the weather turned pleasant.
Due to heavy rain at several places, water accumulation occurred on roads, as intermittent rain continues in Rawalpindi.
WASA Rawalpindi has put its field teams on high alert in view of the situation.
According to WASA officials, the city’s drainage centres, dewatering sets, and heavy machinery have been activated, while field officers and relevant staff are present in their respective areas.
Teams are taking immediate action upon receiving reports of rainwater accumulating at any location.
Officials say that the level and situation of Nullah Lai are also being constantly monitored to deal with any potential emergency in a timely manner.
