RAWALPINDI/ISLAMABAD: Heavy rainfall lashed Islamabad and Rawalpindi, causing a sharp rise in water levels in Nullah Lai and raising concerns about urban flooding in vulnerable areas.
The situation became particularly serious at Katarian, where the water level in Nullah Lai crossed 22 feet. Authorities issued warnings to residents living near the drainage channel and advised them to remain alert.
Emergency warning sirens were also sounded in areas considered vulnerable to flooding. Residents were urged to move to safer locations if the situation deteriorated.
Saidpur recorded the highest rainfall, receiving around 66 millimetres of rain.
The Water and Sanitation Agency (WASA) deployed teams and heavy machinery along Nullah Lai and in several low-lying areas. Emergency teams are monitoring water levels and taking measures to manage the situation.
Meanwhile, intermittent rain continued in Narowal, where several low-lying areas were inundated after rainwater accumulated. Rain was also reported in Mandi Bahauddin, with authorities monitoring the situation as further rainfall remained possible.
The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has issued a rain alert for upper and central parts of the country until Friday. Rain is expected in parts of Islamabad, upper Punjab, Balochistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan and Kashmir.
The continued rainfall has increased the risk of urban flooding in low-lying and vulnerable areas. Authorities have advised citizens to remain cautious and follow official safety instructions.
The Flood Forecasting Division in Lahore has also reported low-level flooding in the Indus River at Kalabagh, Chashma, Taunsa and Guddu barrages.
However, flood monitoring authorities said the situation in the country’s other major rivers remains normal.
