First monsoon rain swamps twin cities’ low-lying areas

The first monsoon rain in the twin cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad and most low-lying areas in the city were inundated. The water level in Nullah Leh rose 11-feet and at least 50 millimetres (mm) of rain was recorded in an hour.

The traffic on the main roads remained disrupted because of flooded roads and power outages were also experienced in different areas of the city.

The metrological office has predicted a heavy monsoon spell in the next 24 hours. On average, the flood control room recorded 40.74 mm rain in the twin cities gauged on six different spots.

The met office recorded 35 mm rain in Syedpur, 55 mm in Golra, 19 mm in Bokhra, 53 mm in Sector H-8, 32 mm in Shamsabad and 34 mm in Chaklala. The water level rose to 11.4 feet at Katariyan spot after which an alert was issued. The flood control room officials said that the level at Gawalmandi rose to seven-feet.

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The rainwater entered homes and markets in Dhok Kala Khan, Dhok Elahi Bakhsh, Arya Mohalla, Sadiqabad, Kartarpura Dhok Syedan, Dhok Khabba, Dhok Rata, Pirwudhai, Javed Colony and Millat Colony owing to which residents faced extreme difficulties.

Traffic movement was halted as Rahimabad underpass, Committee Chowk underpass, Rawal Road, Airport Road, Mall Road, Murree Road and other major roads were deluged in rainwater.

The Met officials warned of possible flooding in the water bodies and that it could inundate low-lying areas. The district administration has directed all agencies to remain alert to deal with the flood situation.

A Water and Sanitation Agency (WASA) spokesperson said that a rain emergency has been declared. The holidays of staff have been canceled while satellite monitoring is being carried out to monitor the water level in Leh Nullah.

He added that the people living in low-lying areas should be careful in the current situation.

Published in The Express Tribune, July 11^th, 2021.