Nullah Lai flooding threat grows as heavy rain lashes Rawalpindi, Islamabad

RAWALPINDI: Rain has stopped falling over Rawalpindi and Islamabad, with the water level in Nullah Lai now receding rapidly after peaking at over 22 feet earlier in the day.

The Flood Control Room reported that the level at Katarian had dropped to 17 feet, down from 21 feet, while the reading at Gawalmandi Bridge also stood at 17 feet. The recession offered relief to residents after Rescue 1122 had earlier sounded danger sirens along the nullah

Earlier, the city administration officials said the water level at Katarian had crossed 22 feet, while it reached 16 feet near Gawalmandi Bridge, a sharp rise from earlier readings of 19 feet and 15 feet, respectively, as heavy rain intensified during the day.

Rescue 1122 made announcements in areas around Nullah Lai, urging residents to avoid unnecessary travel and exercise caution as the water level rises.

Rescue officials have also advised residents to keep children away from storm-water drains and electricity poles to prevent accidents during the rain. Authorities have issued safety instructions to communities living along Nullah Lai as the water level continues to rise.

Rain has continued intermittently across the twin cities since Monday night, with the latest rainfall figures showing 66mm in Saidpur, 65mm in Bokra and 63mm in Pirwadhai. Golra recorded 52mm, while Shamsabad and Chaklala received 50mm and 47mm, respectively.

WASA teams deployed in low-lying areas

WASA Managing Director Azizullah Khan said the agency’s teams had been deployed along Nullah Lai and in low-lying areas to monitor the situation and respond to any emergency.

Heavy machinery has also been deployed in Sadiqabad, Dhok Khaba, Pirwadhai, Arya Mohalla and Bohar Bazaar, he said.

The deployment builds on measures WASA had already taken under the direction of Rawalpindi Deputy Commissioner Captain (retd) Nadeem Nasir after intermittent rain began on Monday night.

Machinery had earlier been stationed at Liaquat Bagh, Committee Chowk Underpass, Murree Road, Dhok Khaba, Circular Road and Sadiqabad to deal with possible water accumulation.

Azizullah, who personally supervised drainage operations, had said a day earlier that water levels stood at 10.5 feet at Katarian and 8.5 feet at Gawalmandi.

He said garbage carried into Nullah Lai during the previous spell of rain had been removed in time, allowing water to flow normally without obstruction.

The WASA chief urged residents not to dump waste into drains and sewers or remove sewer covers, warning that such practices could obstruct the drainage system. He also asked citizens to contact the WASA helpline in case of an emergency.

The Pakistan Meteorological Department has forecast rain, wind and thunderstorms across Islamabad and upper Punjab until August 21, with occasional breaks.

The Met Office has warned that heavy rainfall could trigger urban flooding in low-lying areas of Islamabad and Rawalpindi and urged authorities to remain vigilant.