PMD issues flood alert for Leh Nullah as heavy rains continue to batter Rawalpindi and Islamabad

The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has issued a flood alert for Leh Nullah due to ongoing heavy rainfall in Islamabad and Rawalpindi. This is the third consecutive day that the region has been experiencing torrential downpours. The PMD warns that the heavy rainfall could result in water accumulation in low-lying areas, causing water levels in local drains, especially Leh Nullah, to rise.

Water levels at Kattarian and Gawalmandi have already surpassed the designated thresholds, with the former at 21 feet and the latter at 16 feet as of 6:30am. By 11:30am, these levels had decreased slightly, with Kattarian at 16 feet and Gawalmandi at 19 feet. The PMD has advised authorities to prepare for possible evacuations in affected low-lying regions.

Rainfall measurements have been taken at various checkpoints across the area, with 122mm recorded at Shamsabad, 121mm at Kutcheri Chowk, 119mm at Kattarian, and 118mm at Pirwadhai. At Zero Point, 100mm was measured, along with the same amount at Bokra. Levels in Golra and Saidpur were 95mm and 94mm, respectively. The previous day, the Met Office had forecast additional rain, warning of the potential for urban flooding in low-lying areas of Islamabad/Rawalpindi, Mardan, Swabi, Peshawar, Nowshera, Gujranwala, Gujrat, Sialkot, and Lahore.

The tragedy of a couple losing their lives and their daughters suffering injuries after their house's roof collapsed under the weight of three days of heavy rain in Madina Town had already been reported. Traffic authorities in Islamabad have advised motorists and motorcyclists to reduce speed, maintain safe distances, and exercise caution on wet roads.

Motorists are instructed to stay behind the vehicle ahead, avoid unnecessary speeding, and stay within their lanes. The use of fog lights in reduced visibility conditions is encouraged, along with proper use of side mirrors, indicators, and seat belts. Motorcyclists are advised to stick to the extreme left lane, avoid risky maneuvers, and wear helmets at all times.

Citizens are reminded to stay alert to changing road conditions and adhere to traffic instructions to prevent accidents. Rawalpindi's traffic police have issued similar recommendations for citizens to follow during the ongoing rainfall.