Torrential rain inundates low-lying areas of Rawalpindi, Islamabad; schools closed

Torrential rain battered Rawalpindi and Islamabad, flooding low-lying areas and disrupting traffic, while authorities announced a holiday for educational institutions on Tuesday, Aaj News reported.

According to the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD), 201 millimetres of rain was recorded at Shamsabad, the highest in the twin cities, followed by 186mm at New Katarian, 157mm at Golra and 146mm at the PMD station.

In view of the intense rainfall, a rain emergency has been declared in Rawalpindi, with WASA, Rescue 1122, Civil Defence and Solid Waste Management placed on high alert.

Several low-lying areas and major roads in the twin cities were inundated following the heavy downpour.

Old Airport Road, Rahimabad Bridge and Murree Road near Committee Chowk were among the areas where several feet of water accumulated, causing prolonged traffic congestion and leaving motorists stranded for hours.

In Islamabad’s G-14 sector, one person was killed and another seriously injured after the roof of a house collapsed due to the rain. The injured person was shifted to Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) for treatment.

Students at COMSATS University in Chak Shehzad faced difficulties reaching their campus as roads were submerged, while several candidates appearing for an entrance test at Shaheed Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto Medical University were reportedly unable to reach their examination centre on time.

Meanwhile, the water level at Rawal Dam has risen to 1,751 feet, prompting authorities to decide to open the dam’s spillways.

Sirens were sounded in areas along Nala Lai to alert nearby residents amid the rising water level.

WASA Managing Director said the water level in Nala Lai had reached 27 feet at Katarian and 21 feet at Gawalmandi. Heavy machinery has been deployed at vulnerable locations to deal with any emergency.

The WASA chief urged citizens to avoid unnecessary travel and remain indoors.

Rawalpindi Deputy Commissioner Captain (retd) Nadeem Nasir said WASA, Rescue 1122 and other relevant agencies had been placed on alert, while Nala Lai and other drains were being continuously monitored.

On the directives of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, district administration and Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) teams are present in the field and monitoring the situation round the clock.

The PDMA director general has directed relevant departments to ensure the prompt removal of accumulated water from low-lying areas and locations where drainage is obstructed.

The PDMA spokesperson advised residents to stay away from electricity poles and dangling wires and urged parents to prevent children from going near accumulated water in low-lying areas. The PDMA helpline 1129 is available for emergencies.

The Pakistan Meteorological Department has forecast that the current spell of rain will continue in the region until September 5.