Torrential rain inundates low-lying areas of Rawalpindi, Islamabad; schools closed
Torrential rain battered Rawalpindi and Islamabad, flooding low-lying areas and disrupting traffic, while authorities announced a holiday for educational institutions on Tuesday, Aaj News reported. According to the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD), 201 millimetres of rain was recorded at Shamsabad, the highest in the twin cities, followed by 186mm at New Katarian, 157mm at Golra and 146mm…
Torrential rain lashed the twin cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad, causing widespread flooding in low-lying regions and disrupting traffic, according to Aaj News. The Pakistan Meteorological Department recorded 201 millimeters of rain in Shamsabad, the highest in the area, with 186 millimeters in New Katarian, 157 millimeters in Golra, and 146 millimeters at the PMD station.
Authorities declared a rain emergency and placed WASA, Rescue 1122, Civil Defence, and Solid Waste Management on high alert. Several roads, including Old Airport Road, Rahimabad Bridge, and Murree Road near Committee Chowk, were submerged, leading to significant traffic congestion. In Islamabad’s G-14 sector, a house roof collapsed under the weight of the rain, killing one person and injuring another.
The water level at Rawal Dam reached 1,751 feet, prompting authorities to open the dam’s spillways. Nala Lai experienced a water level of 27 feet at Katarian and 21 feet at Gawalmandi, prompting sirens to be sounded in the area. WASA urged citizens to avoid unnecessary travel and remain indoors. Rawalpindi Deputy Commissioner Captain (retd) Nadeem Nasir reported that WASA, Rescue 1122, and other agencies were on alert, with Nala Lai and other drains being continuously monitored.
District administration and the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) teams are on the ground, monitoring the situation and ensuring the prompt removal of accumulated water from vulnerable areas. The PDMA directed residents to stay away from electricity poles and dangling wires and advised parents to prevent children from approaching water in low-lying areas.
A helpline 1129 is available for emergencies. The Pakistan Meteorological Department expects the heavy rain to continue until September 5.
Written by urgent.news from Business Recorder's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
