Overnight rain eases in Rawalpindi, Islamabad as low-lying areas remain waterlogged

RAWALPINDI: Rain continued in Rawalpindi and Islamabad on Wednesday, with 16 millimetres recorded on average and water levels in Leh Nullah remaining below pre-alert thresholds after Tuesday’s heavy downpour triggered flooding and evacuations in parts of the twin cities.

The highest rainfall recorded over the past few hours was 45mm in Saidpur, followed by 30mm in H-8 and 13mm in New Kattarian. The water level in Leh Nullah stood at 11 feet at Kattarian and six feet at Gawalmandi, against pre-alert thresholds of 11.4 feet and 8.3 feet respectively. No pre-alert was issued based on the latest readings.

WASA Managing Director Azizullah Khan, speaking to reporters at Gawalmandi, said the Meteorological Department had forecast further rain and that staff and heavy machinery remained deployed in low-lying areas.

He said repairs to sections of Leh Nullah’s embankments damaged by Tuesday’s flooding would begin once weather conditions improved. Authorities would also clear blockages caused by the flooding, he added.

Khan said the city’s drainage operation had been completed and restoration work in affected areas was under way. Backflow during the flooding had affected parts of Pirwadhai and Dhok Khabba.

Tuesday flooding raises alarm

Tuesday’s torrential rain pushed Leh Nullah to 29 feet at Kattarian and 23.5 feet at Gawalmandi, prompting evacuations in surrounding areas. About 200mm of rain was recorded in the nullah’s catchment.

Rescue 1122 said 60 people were evacuated, while operations continued for residents stranded in their homes. Rawalpindi authorities also closed educational institutions and advised residents to avoid unnecessary travel.

Rainfall on Tuesday included 201mm in Shamsabad, 186mm in New Kattarian, 157mm in Golra, 155mm at H-8/2, 104mm in Saidpur, 86mm in Pirwadhai, 74mm in Katchery and 72mm in Bokra.

In Islamabad, heavy rain caused drains in E-11 to overflow, flooding roads and some previously sealed basements. Authorities also linked flooding in Ghauri Town Phase 2 to blocked drainage channels and ordered action against those responsible.

Rawal Dam’s water level also crossed the prescribed limit, leading authorities to open its spillways. A wall collapsed in D-12, although no casualties were reported.

Authorities step up monitoring

Islamabad’s deputy commissioner chaired a meeting on Tuesday to review drainage, rescue operations and traffic conditions. Officials were directed to strengthen monitoring of low-lying areas, speed up action against encroachments along nullahs and improve response times during emergencies.

Traffic police advised motorists to reduce speed, maintain safe distances and allow extra travel time where water accumulation persisted.

The Met Office has forecast further rain in upper parts of the country until September 5, with a risk of urban flooding in several cities, including Rawalpindi and Islamabad.