Heavy rain inundates low-lying areas in Rawalpindi

RAWALPINDI: Heavy rainfall inundated low-lying areas and a flood like situation could be witnessed on Benazir Bhutto Road, Rawal Road and Airport Road on Thursday. According to Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD), Rawalpindi received 72 mm rain while Islamabad received 56 mm rain.

At around 3 a.m. on Thursday, heavy rain began in Rawalpindi and Islamabad which lasted for around one-and-half-hour, left the roads and streets across the city, especially in low-lying areas, flooded within minutes. However, situation in Nullah Leh remained  under control as water level touched to 6.50 feet in Gawalmandi while 6 feet in Katarian point.

Water and Sanitation Agency (WASA) Managing Director Raja Shaukat Mehmood told ‘The News’ that they have implemented an emergency plan to drain out water accumulated in various low-lying localities particularly underpasses. Torrential rain started at about 3:10 a.m. and water was everywhere in no time, he said.

He said that they removed accumulated rainwater from all sides with water sucking vehicles, de-watering pumps and jets. He said that localities of Sadiqabad, Jamia Masjid Road, Raja Bazaar, Banni and underpasses were in dangerous situation at that time.

The rainstorm affected trees, walls and signboards at many places. However, no damage to public life or property was reported.The road users criticised the civic authorities for faulty drainage system in the city, especially for roads, saying there’re traffic mess whenever it rained. They also complained of potholed roads and faulty traffic lights.

Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) Director Dr. Muhammad Hanif insisted the heavy rains were caused by a westerly persisting over upper parts of the country. More downpours accompanied by gusty winds is expected in the next 48 hours at a number of places in Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Sindh and Azad Jammu and Kashmir and at scattered places in Fata, Gilgit-Baltistan and eastern Balochistan.The PMD however, warned heavy downpour could trigger flash floods and landslides in the vulnerable areas of Punjab, Balochistan, KP, GB and AJK.