Several areas of twin cities flooded following cloudburst

The rains that started a day earlier left several roads and low-lying areas in Islamabad and Rawalpindi inundated on Wednesday, creating an emergency situation for residents of the twin cities.

In a tweet, Deputy Commissioner Islamabad Hamza Shafqaat stated that the flooding was caused by a cloudburst, and that the capital's administration was working to clear the roads within an hour.

The Capital Development Authority (CDA) spokesperson also stated that an operation to clear thoroughfares and open them for traffic after the latter got severely affected was underway.

In Rawalpindi, torrential rains caused flooding in Nullah Leh. In Katarian, the floodwater rose beyond the level of 21 feet, causing the water to enter Javed Colony and Aria Society.

Sirens were sounded in the city to warn citizens of the situation, whereas bridge crossings at New Katarian and Dhok Ratta were also closed down.

Read ‘Very high’ flood expected in River Jhelum: FFC

Army contingents assisting: ISPR

According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), torrential rains had caused flooding in Nullah Leh, while the federal capital's E-11 area had also been flooded.

The military's media wing maintained that army contingents were assisting the civil administration in the rescue and relief operations, while an emergency plan had been devised to overcome the situation.

DC Islamabad Shafqaat said that the spillways of Rawal Dam will be opened once the drainages were cleared of water.

He later tweeted that all roads in the federal capital had been cleared for traffic.

The district administration added that the Korang Bridge, Bani Gala and Prime Minister Imran Khan's route had also been cleared.

On Monday, in view of the heavy rains' forecast, the Rawalpindi district administration had issued a flood alert for Nullah Leh, Sawan River and 10 major rain drains flowing across the city.

Agencies concerned were issued orders to remain on red alert till Friday. Ahead of the fresh monsoon rains, 10 flood relief camps were set up in all low-lying areas across the city. The control of these flood relief camps was handed over to the Rawalpindi Education Department.

It was announced that in case of floods and displacement, the Department of Revenue would provide food three times a day to the affected citizens who will be accommodated in temporary shelters in these flood camps, while the Punjab health department would provide medical facilities to the affected citizens.