Heavy rain lashes twin cities as civic departments put on alert

Islamabad and Rawalpindi experienced fresh rain on Monday, prompting civic officials to put departments on high alert at the commissioner's directive. The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) reported 33mm of rain at Saidpur village early Monday. Golra, located near E-11, saw 25mm of rainfall, while Pirwadhai and Gawalmandi recorded 28mm and 27mm respectively.

H-8 recorded 23mm of rain, I-12 had 22mm, and Shamsabad recorded 29mm. The PMD warned residents to avoid Nullah Lai, a waterway being monitored closely. Rawalpindi Commissioner Salman Ghani stated that water flow remains normal with Nullah Lai at 5.5 feet at Katarian and 2 feet at Gawalmandi. Islamabad Traffic Police urged citizens to follow traffic advisories and worked to maintain smooth traffic flow.

Drainage operations were underway in the twin cities, with Wasa deploying staff and heavy machinery in low-lying areas. Heavy machinery was stationed at key locations including Liaquat Bagh, Committee Chowk Underpass, Murree Road, Dhok Khabba, Circular Road, and Sadiqabad. The PMD forecasts mainly dry weather for the week, except for northern hilly areas where partly cloudy conditions and isolated rain-wind or thunderstorms are expected.