Torrential Rains Submerge Twin Cities, Educational Institutions Closed in Rawalpindi
ISLAMABAD/RAWALPINDI: Heavy rains had submerged several areas in Islamabad and Rawalpindi, flooding residential areas, leading to the closure of educational institutions in Rawalpindi and heavy rains in both cities.
The heavy rain started from 3.20 am and continued till 8.00 am, according to the Meteorological Department. The heavy rain caused major streets and residential areas to become flooded with water, and the water was several feet deep in certain areas.
The flooded areas and rising water levels in Nala Lai
Residential areas such as Pirwadhai’s adjoining area, Safdarabad, Gali Loharan and Fauji Colony were flooded, with Union Councils 4 and 5 being the areas worst hit. Raja Bazar, a model commercial area in Rawalpindi, was also submerged along with vehicles in Awan Colony.
As the continuous heavy rainfall continued, water level in Nala Lai had increased significantly. Water level at Katarian reached 27 feet and 21 feet at Gawalmandi, alerting people living close to the low lying banks for evacuation.
The rain also caused heavy traffic jams on the Expressway, with long queues of vehicles stuck in the rain.
Precipitation Data and WASA Data
Water and Sanitation Agency (WASA) officials reported that Shamsabad received the maximum rain of 197 mm and Golra received 157 mm. Meanwhile, 184 mm of rainfall was recorded at New Katarian, 146 mm at the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) and 86 mm at Pirwadhai.
The NDMA has issued a weather warning for the next 48 hours.NDMA has issued a weather alert for the next 48 hours.
The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has issued a new weather alert for further rains in view of the heavy weather. Upcoming 48 hours, Upper and Central parts of the country are expecting showers, whereas rain and thundershowers are expected to be in various cities of Gilgit-Baltistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Azad Kashmir and Punjab.
The NDMA issued a warning that heavy rains in the upper catchment areas may lead to increased flow in rivers and flash flood in local streams & nallahs.