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 in Rawalpindi and Islamabad as heavy rains continued for a third consecutive day. The department warned that accumulation of water in low-lying areas could lead to rising water levels in local drains, particularly the Leh Nullah.

At 6:30am, water levels in Leh Nullah reached 21 feet at Kattarian and 16 feet at Gawalmandi. By 11:30am, the levels were recorded at 16 feet and 19 feet, respectively. The PMD urged authorities to prepare for evacuating people from vulnerable low-lying areas.

Rainfall measurements from various locations indicate the intensity of the storm. Shamsabad recorded 122mm, Kutcheri Chowk had 121mm, Kattarian had 119mm, and Pirwadhai had 118mm of rainfall. Other areas like Zero Point, Bokra, Saidpur, and Golra also witnessed significant rainfall ranging from 95mm to 100mm.

The PMD emphasized the need for vigilance and readiness to implement precautionary measures in case of further escalation. Earlier, the Met Office had predicted more rain and issued a warning about potential urban flooding in several cities including Islamabad, Rawalpindi, and neighboring regions.

Tragically, a couple was killed and their daughters injured on Tuesday when their house roof collapsed under the weight of three days of heavy rainfall in Madina Town. Meanwhile, traffic authorities have advised motorists and motorcyclists to reduce speed, maintain safe distances, and exercise extra caution on wet roads due to the ongoing rainfall.