Twin Cities Hit by Torrential Rain; Rain Emergency Declared, Schools Closed
Rising Nullah Lai levels trigger evacuation warnings as low-lying areas are inundated and authorities are placed on high alert
ISLAMABAD/RAWALPINDI: Torrential rain lashed Islamabad and Rawalpindi on Tuesday, flooding several low-lying areas, disrupting traffic and prompting authorities to declare a rain emergency as water levels in Nullah Lai continued to rise.
All public and private educational institutions in the twin cities were closed on Tuesday amid the worsening weather and flood risk.
In Rawalpindi, the Water and Sanitation Agency (WASA) declared a rain emergency in the Nullah Lai catchment areas and deployed teams and heavy machinery to vulnerable locations.
According to WASA, water levels at Katarian reached 29 feet, while the level at Gawalmandi Bridge rose to 24 feet, prompting authorities to sound sirens and issue precautionary evacuation directions for residents living near Nullah Lai.
Rawalpindi Deputy Commissioner Captain (retd) Nadeem Nasir placed relevant departments on high alert and directed residents in areas close to Nullah Lai to move to safer locations as a precaution.
Several low-lying areas were inundated, including Safdarabad, Sadiqabad, Dhoke Khaba, Pirwadhai, Fauji Colony, Javed Colony and Arya Mohalla. Water also accumulated on roads and affected traffic movement across parts of the city.
197mm Rainfall Recorded at Shamsabad
Rainfall was particularly heavy at several stations. PMD recorded 197mm at Shamsabad, 185mm at New Katarian and 157mm at Golra, while H-8 received 152mm and Saidpur Village received 98mm.
Authorities deployed Rescue 1122 personnel around Nullah Lai and directed emergency teams to remain ready to respond to flooding and other rain-related incidents.
Citizens have been advised to avoid unnecessary travel, particularly through low-lying and waterlogged areas, and to follow evacuation instructions issued by the administration.
