Heavy rain floods Rawalpindi, Islamabad; Leh river residents told to evacuate

ISLAMABAD: Heavy rainfall in Rawalpindi and Islamabad has inundated several low-lying areas, while authorities have ordered residents living along the Leh River to evacuate as water levels continue to rise.

Water at the Kattarian point of Nullah Leh reached 20 feet, while the level at the Gawalmandi Bridge rose to 17 feet, prompting authorities to sound warning sirens in areas surrounding the waterway.

Residents living along the banks of Nullah Leh have been directed to leave their homes immediately as a precaution against possible flooding.

Several low-lying neighborhoods, including Pirodhai, Javed Colony, Muslim Colony, Arya Mohalla, Rahimabad and Sadiqabad, have been affected by the heavy rain. Water has entered homes in some areas, according to reports.

The Pakistan Meteorological Department recorded 144 millimeters of rain in Golra and 124mm in Bokra, while the average rainfall recorded across Rawalpindi and Islamabad was around 95mm.

Meanwhile, the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) has issued a heavy-rain alert for several districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa from August 17 to 21.

The affected areas include Chitral, Dir, Swat, Shangla, Buner and Kohistan, with rain also expected in Peshawar, Mardan, Swabi, Charsadda, Nowshera and Kohat.

The PDMA warned of a risk of urban flooding in low-lying areas of Mardan and Swabi and directed district administrations to take precautionary measures in vulnerable locations. Authorities were also instructed to continuously monitor rivers and streams.

The disaster management authority advised tourists to avoid unnecessary travel during periods of heavy rainfall and remain alert to the risk of flooding and landslides