The electronic devices installed at the immigration counters at the Islamabad International Airport (IIA) went out of order as the ceiling began leaking after heavy rainfall in the federal capital on Monday.
Torrential rains were witnessed in the twin cities during the wee hours as a result of which the drainage system of IIA collapsed once again and rainwater made its way to the airport lounge. Meanwhile, rainwater entered homes in several areas of Rawalpindi.
Sources told The Express Tribune that heavy rains damaged the electronic devices installed at IIA while the false-ceiling also broke. The passengers, as well as the staff, faced extreme difficulties due to the untoward situation.
IIA officials said that the repair work has been started and would be completed soon. They added that the flight operation remained unsuspended despite the inflow of rainwater in the lounges.
The officials expressed hope that such incidents would not repeat in the future.
Read NHA blamed for rain damages
The Pakistan Metrological Department (PMD) said the rainfall began around 3 am in the twin cities and continued until around 5 am while an average of 34.1 millimetres (mm) of rain was recorded.
The highest record was Syed village with 41 mm, followed by 40 mm in Golra, 27 mm in Bokhara, 25 mm in Sector H-8, 34 mm in Shamsabad and 20 mm in Chaklala.
Moreover, the water level in Nullah Leh rose to 11.8 feet at Katarian spot and 7.8 feet at Gawalmandi, sources informed. The flood control room issued a pre-alert as soon as the water level reached 11 feet, they added.
The rainwater deluged the Ranyal area where up to three feet of water accumulated in the streets, shops as well as homes. In this regard, WASA spokesperson said that Ranyal does not fall in their jurisdiction, however, they sent teams to drain the stagnant water.
Published in The Express Tribune, July 20th, 2021.
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