Wasa declares rain emergency

Rawalpindi:The Water and Sanitation Agency (Wasa) has declared a rain emergency, advising residents living along Nullah Leh and in low-lying areas to be on high alert and to relocate to safer places. Heavy rainfall is expected in the coming days, and WASA has warned residents to take necessary precautions.

The Islamabad Electric Supply Company (Iesco) has urged people to avoid touching electric pylons during rainfall to prevent any accidents. On the other hand, residents of Rawalpindi and Islamabad are relieved as they have been facing severe hot and humid weather for a long time. According to the Meteorological Office, Shamsabad received 61 mm of rain, Golra received 21 mm, Saidpur Village received 61 mm, and H-8/2 Islamabad received 49 mm. The water level of Nullah Leh rose to 7 ft at Katarian and 5.5 ft at the Gwalmandi point.

Muhammad Salim Ashraf, the Managing Director of Wasa, stated that rain has continued in the twin cities since early morning. He mentioned that WASA Rawalpindi is on high alert and has imposed a rain emergency to prevent any untoward incidents. Field staff and heavy machinery have been deployed in low-lying areas for drainage. Although Nullah Leh is being monitored, the flow of water is currently normal. The traffic flow in the Committee Chowk underpass is normal, and all rainwater has been removed from underpasses in Rawalpindi. The Meteorological Department has predicted that the rains will continue for the next two days. Residents are advised to take precautionary measures, as the water level in Nullah Leh could reach dangerous levels during heavy rainfall in the coming days, as warned by Wasa.

Omar Farooq, the Wasa Spokesman, informed 'The News' that a 'Rain Emergency' has been declared due to heavy rainfall expected from Tuesday to Friday. Residents living along Nullah Leh and in low-lying areas have been directed to shift to safer places. The leaves of all staff members have been cancelled, and they will be performing duty at different points. The staff is equipped with water-sucking machines and is prepared to face any situation.

All sanitation workers have been asked to remain on high alert in areas along Nullah Leh and metro bus stations to prevent waterlogging. The Wasa removed all rainwater from Liaquat Bagh and Committee Chowk underpasses, and heavy machinery worked continuously to remove rainwater from low-lying areas. In addition, heavy rainfall also caused power outages in many areas, with several feeders tripping and low voltage issues experienced by consumers. Furthermore, heavy rainfall led to vehicle breakdowns on roads, with drivers pushing their cars.