Heavy rain raises water level in Rawalpindi’s Nullah Lai as twin cities remain on alert

RAWALPINDI: Heavy rain continued to lash Rawalpindi and Islamabad on Wednesday, raising water levels in Nullah Lai and prompting authorities to step up monitoring of waterways and low-lying areas.

According to the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD), rainfall began around 1am and continued through the morning, with an average of 75.44 millimetres recorded across various areas by 7:10am on August 12. Golra received the highest rainfall at 113mm, followed by Saidpur Village with 71mm, New Katarian 59mm, PMD H-8/2 57mm and Pirwadhai 51mm.

Bokra, Shamsabad and Gawalmandi each received 45mm of rain, while 33mm was recorded near Kacheri-Chaklala.

The downpour also caused water levels in Nullah Lai to rise. The water level reached 21.5 feet at Katarian and 17.5 feet at Gawalmandi, according to the Water and Sanitation Agency (WASA). Authorities issued warning sirens for residents in vulnerable areas, while evacuation operations were launched in Katarian and Gawalmandi as a precaution.

WASA Managing Director Azizullah Khan said the situation along Nullah Lai and across the city’s drainage network was being monitored continuously. He said all field teams had been placed on high alert, while disposal stations, dewatering sets and heavy machinery were fully operational.

WASA teams were also responding to reports of water accumulation at various locations, with field officers directed to remain present in their respective areas and oversee drainage operations.

The agency urged residents to avoid unnecessary travel during the rain and stay away from Nullah Lai, other streams and drains, as well as low-lying areas. Parents were advised to keep children away from drains, rainwater and open manholes.

Authorities also appealed to residents not to dispose of waste in drains and sewers, warning that blockages could worsen urban flooding during heavy rainfall.

WASA officials said water levels in Nullah Lai had begun to decline after the rain eased, but monitoring would continue to ensure timely action in case of any further rise.