ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Meteorological Department warned of more heavy rain Tuesday as torrential downpours flooded parts of Islamabad and Rawalpindi, sending water levels in Nullah Lai sharply higher and prompting authorities to close schools and activate emergency measures.
According to the PMD, the rain began around 3:20 a.m. and continued through the morning, with several areas recording heavy rainfall. Authorities placed departments on high alert and urged residents in vulnerable areas along Nullah Lai to move to safer locations.
Rawalpindi Deputy Commissioner Capt. (retd.) Nadeem Nasir directed relevant departments to respond to the flooding, while Rescue 1122 teams were deployed around Nullah Lai. The Water and Sanitation Agency also declared a rain emergency in the waterway's catchment areas.
Several low-lying neighborhoods were inundated, including Safdarabad, Pirwadhai, Fauji Colony, Sadiqabad, Dhoke Khaba, Javed Colony and Arya Mohalla. Water also entered homes and shops in some areas, while vehicles were partially submerged in Awan Colony.
Raja Bazaar, one of Rawalpindi's busiest commercial areas, was also affected by accumulated rainwater. Wasa teams and heavy machinery were deployed in vulnerable locations, including Liaquat Bagh, Committee Chowk underpass, Murree Road, Dhoke Khaba, Circular Road and Sadiqabad.
Nullah Lai water level rises
The situation around Nullah Lai remained a major concern as heavy rainfall increased water flow through the drainage channel.
Wasa said the water level at Katarian reached about 29 feet, while the level at the Gawalmandi bridge rose to 24 feet. Officials warned that additional water flowing from Islamabad could further increase pressure on Rawalpindi.
Sirens were sounded as water levels rose, and evacuation teams were sent to low-lying areas. Authorities continued monitoring Nullah Lai and other drains across the city.
Read More: PMD forecasts rain across northern Pakistan
Nasir visited the affected areas and directed officials to drain accumulated water and deploy additional Wasa teams where needed.
"The biggest impact of the rain is on Nullah Lai," Nasir said, explaining that drains feeding into the waterway were backing up and sending water into nearby residential areas.
He said the situation was expected to improve once the water level in Nullah Lai began to fall.
"Evacuation teams have been sent to low-lying areas," Nasir said, adding that the Pakistan Army, Rescue 1122, Pakistan Rangers and other agencies were assisting the district administration.
The Army's 111 Brigade was also in contact with the administration and was prepared to provide assistance if required.
Nasir said authorities had received two emergency calls during the rainfall and flooding.
Rawalpindi records heavy rain
Shamsabad recorded the highest rainfall in Rawalpindi at 197 millimeters, followed by New Katarian with about 185 millimeters and Golra with 157 millimeters, according to PMD.
Other reported totals included 152 millimeters in H-8, 98 millimeters at Saidpur Village, 86 millimeters in Pirwadhai, 72 millimeters in I-12 and 72 millimeters at Chaklala.
Nasir said Rawalpindi received around 200 millimeters of rain, describing it as the city's highest rainfall in three years.
The intense downpour overwhelmed drainage systems in several low-lying areas, causing water from adjoining drains to spill into residential neighborhoods.
Schools closed in twin cities
Government and private educational institutions in Rawalpindi and Islamabad were closed for the day as flooding and water accumulation affected roads across the twin cities.
The Rawalpindi administration said the decision was taken to protect students and staff as heavy rain created difficult travel conditions.
Wasa urged residents to avoid unnecessary travel and cooperate with emergency teams working in affected areas.
More rain forecast
The National Disaster Management Authority forecast additional rainfall across upper and central parts of the country over the next 48 hours.
The PMD said rain accompanied by strong winds and thunderstorms was expected in parts of upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the Potohar region, Gilgit-Baltistan, Kashmir and adjoining mountainous areas. Some areas could receive heavy rain during the night.
Rain is also expected in parts of Punjab, while continued showers in upper regions could increase water flows in rivers and raise the risk of flooding in streams and nullahs.
Authorities urged residents in flood-prone and mountainous areas to remain alert, follow evacuation instructions and avoid crossing flooded roads and waterways.
