Rawalpindi declares emergency after downpour

A WASA spokesperson stated that heavy rainfall has been continuing in the twin cities since last night.

Due to continuous heavy rainfall, WASA Rawalpindi has declared a rain emergency across the city. Managing Director Muhammad Saleem Ashraf said that WASA staff and heavy machinery have been sent to low-lying areas to avoid flooding and help the public. The Minister for Housing, Bilal Yasin, and Secretary Housing, Noorul Amin Mengal, have contacted the WASA MD and directed him to speed up drainage work. The WASA chief is personally supervising operations, and regular monitoring of Nullah Lai and other drains is being carried out.

The water level in Nullah Lai has reached 16 feet at Katarian and 14 feet at Gawalmandi Bridge. So far, more than 100 millimeters of rainfall has been recorded in Rawalpindi and Islamabad. According to the Meteorological Department, rainfall in different parts of the twin cities includes 53 mm in Saidpur, 77 mm in Golra, 95 mm in Bokra, 63 mm at the PMD office, 67 mm in Shamsabad, 105 mm at Kacheri, 90 mm in Pirwadhai and Gawalmandi, and 80 mm in Katarian.

To drain rainwater, WASA teams are using large dewatering machines in the most affected areas. The MD said that the department is on full alert and fully prepared to handle any emergency that may arise due to continued rainfall. WASA officials are requesting the public to stay away from low-lying and flood-prone areas and to follow safety guidelines during the ongoing monsoon season.