Heavy overnight rain floods underpasses, homes in twin cities

ISLAMABAD/RAWALPINDI: Heavy monsoon rain continued intermittently across the twin cities of Islamabad and Rawalpindi from Saturday night into Sunday, disrupting traffic, inundating low-lying areas and forcing water into several homes.

The downpour late at night caused significant water accumulation at several locations, with underpasses in G-6 filled with rainwater and roads and streets in Chatta Bakhtawar turning into pools.

Residents in parts of Chatta Bakhtawar reported rainwater entering their homes, while houses in Sector C of the PWD area were also affected by flooding.

In Rawalpindi, water accumulated on Jamia Masjid Road and Imambara Road following heavy rainfall, affecting traffic movement in the city.

Nullah Lai level reaches 19 feet

The water level in Nullah Lai reached 19 feet at Katarian, prompting authorities to issue an alert for adjoining residential areas.

A rain emergency has been declared in Rawalpindi, with Water and Sanitation Agency teams and heavy machinery deployed to deal with water accumulation and possible flooding.

Authorities said they are closely monitoring the situation as further rainfall could cause the water level in Nullah Lai to rise.

The Islamabad district administration said that it was continuously monitoring the situation, while drainage and dewatering operations had been under way across the city since late night.

Dewatering pumps have been deployed in affected areas to remove accumulated rainwater.

Assistant commissioners also visited low-lying areas and nullahs to assess the situation and monitor drainage arrangements.

The administration said it was coordinating with the Islamabad Traffic Police to ensure smooth traffic flow on major roads despite the rain and water accumulation.

Officials said preparations had been made ahead of the monsoon season, including regular operations against encroachments in different areas and cleaning of nullahs.

A control room has also been established to promptly respond to complaints regarding water accumulation.

Citizens have been advised to report waterlogging to the control room at 051-9108084 and avoid unnecessary travel during heavy rain.

The authorities said that field teams and machinery would remain deployed in vulnerable areas and respond to reports of water accumulation.

Officials urged residents, particularly those living in low-lying areas and near nullahs, to remain cautious as intermittent rain continues.

Rainfall recorded across Rawalpindi

Saidpur received the highest rainfall in Rawalpindi, with 85 millimetres recorded; Golra received 75mm; Shamsabad 65mm; Pirwadhai 64mm; Gawalmandi 62mm and Bokra received 50mm.

The continued rainfall has increased pressure on the drainage system in both cities, while authorities remain on alert to deal with possible urban flooding and a further rise in Nullah Lai’s water level.