Rawalpindi to lift flood alert tomorrow
As the monsoon season draws to a close, the flood alert for Nullah Leh and ten other rain drains in Rawalpindi has been withdrawn starting from September 1.
According to a Water and Sanitation Agency (WASA) spokesperson, the WASA and other departments concerned will maintain surveillance of major drains for an additional two-week period. Fortunately, the city has successfully averted the threat of significant flooding this year. Consequently, five flood relief camps established to aid those in low-lying areas have been dismantled.
School building housing flood relief camps have commenced their academic sessions.
Personnel from the 12 government institutions that were on red alert between June 15 and August 31 due to potential flooding risk have been ordered to relinquish their alert status. They have resumed their regular duties within their respective organisations.
With the conclusion of the two-and-a-half-month flood alert period, residents of flood-prone areas are now returning to their homes after having been displaced due to flood concerns.
They are also beginning to move their valuables back to their residences, having previously relocated them to safer nearby areas.
Historically, Rawalpindi has faced intense flooding caused by Nullah Leh during July and August.
Last month district administration extended flood season in Rawalpindi by a month from August 31 to September 30 to avert potential urban floods.
It announced that the flood contingency plan will remain in effect in Rawalpindi city and its cantonment for an extended period. Meanwhile, the famed 111 brigade of the army remained on standby to handle any unlikely situation due to flooding.
Published in The Express Tribune, August 31st, 2023.