Heavy rain hits Islamabad, Rawalpindi; authorities put emergency teams on high alert

ISLAMABAD: Heavy rain lashed Islamabad and Rawalpindi on Monday, disrupting traffic and prompting authorities to place emergency response agencies on high alert, while several areas of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) were forecast to receive rain and thunderstorms. Karachi, meanwhile, remained relatively hot and humid.

The Pakistan Meteorological Department’s latest outlook indicates that isolated rain, wind and thunderstorms are expected over Islamabad, upper Punjab and KP through Tuesday, while most southern parts of the country are expected to remain hot and dry.

The Flood Forecasting Division said isolated rain and thunderstorms were expected over Islamabad, upper Punjab and KP through Sept. 29, while river flows at the major rim stations were expected to remain normal.

Heavy rain disrupts traffic in twin cities

Intermittent heavy rain was reported in Islamabad and Rawalpindi, affecting traffic flow on the Islamabad Expressway.

Strong winds accompanying the rain also brought down a tree in Sector G-8, while heavy rainfall in Sector F-9 left water accumulated on roads.

Rawalpindi authorities placed WASA, Rescue 1122, the waste management authority and other relevant departments on high alert following the rainfall.

WASA declares rain emergency

WASA Rawalpindi declared a rain emergency and mobilised all field officers, while staff and heavy machinery were deployed to low-lying areas.

Managing Director WASA Azizullah Khan said Nullah Lai and other major drains were being continuously monitored. Water flow in Nullah Lai remained within normal limits, with the water level reported at five feet at Katarian and two feet at the Gowalmandi Bridge.

De-watering pumps and other essential machinery were positioned at vulnerable locations, while field teams remained deployed to drain accumulated rainwater and provide immediate relief to residents.

According to rainfall figures cited by WASA, Saidpur received 24mm, Golra 12mm, Bokra 19mm, PMD 19mm, Shamsabad 18mm, Kacheri 10mm, Pirwadhai 20mm and New Katarian 4mm of rain.

Rain and thunderstorms forecast in KP

The weather department has forecast rain accompanied by thunderstorms in Peshawar, Mardan, Charsadda, Swabi and Nowshera.

Rain is also expected in Dir, Chitral, Swat, Kohistan, Mansehra, Abbottabad, Haripur, Buner and Malakand.

The forecast also covers Bajaur, Mohmand, Khyber and Kurram, where strong winds and thunderstorms are possible. Rain has also been forecast for Orakzai, Hangu, Kohat, Karak, Tank, Lakki Marwat, Bannu, Dera Ismail Khan and Waziristan.

Hail is also possible in some upper districts, according to the forecast. The Provincial Disaster Management Authority has directed relevant departments to take precautionary measures in advance.

Peshawar remained partly cloudy on Monday after heavy rain overnight brought relief from the recent heat. Humidity was recorded at 75 percent, while the weather department forecast further rain and thunderstorms in parts of KP.

Karachi remains hot and humid

Karachi’s weather remained comparatively hot and humid, with a minimum temperature of 26.5°C recorded.

The current temperature was reported at 28°C, with humidity at 81 percent while southwesterly winds were blowing at around 11 kilometres per hour. The city was expected to remain relatively hot and humid, with the maximum temperature forecast at 33°C to 35°C.