RAWALPINDI: Authorities have declared a rain emergency in Rawalpindi after heavy rainfall affected the twin cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad, with low-lying areas inundated and water and sanitation teams deployed alongside heavy machinery.
The rain emergency was imposed on the directives of Rawalpindi Deputy Commissioner Captain (retd) Nadeem Nasir and Water and Sanitation Agency (WASA) Managing Director Azizullah Khan. Field officers and staff have been placed on high alert, while dewatering equipment and heavy machinery have been deployed to vulnerable areas.
Heavy Rainfall Recorded Across the Twin Cities
According to the Pakistan Meteorological Department, Bokra received 43 millimetres of rain, while Golra and New Katarian recorded 38mm each. PMD recorded 37mm, Pirwadhai 35mm, Gowalmandi 29mm, and Shamsabad and Kacheri 23mm.
WASA officials said teams have been mobilised to respond to water accumulation in low-lying areas and are monitoring drainage conditions.
Nullah Lai Flow Being Monitored
WASA Managing Director Azizullah Khan said Nullah Lai and other major drains were being continuously monitored and that water flow remained within normal limits at the time of the update.
Water levels at Katarian were recorded at 8.5 feet, while the level at Gowalmandi Bridge stood at 6 feet, according to WASA.
The district administration, WASA, Rescue 1122 and waste management authorities are jointly carrying out response operations. Dewatering pumps and heavy machinery have been positioned in low-lying areas, while the WASA control room is monitoring the situation continuously.
Authorities said relevant departments remain on alert to respond to any further water accumulation or rain-related emergency.