Pre-monsoon rain rings alarm in Pindi

Inundates low-lying areas, prompts evacuation

RAWALPINDI:

Rawalpindi and its surrounding areas have recently experienced their first pre-monsoon rain, signalling the potential danger of monsoon floods in Nullah Leh and other rain drains.

This heavy rain, which fell on Monday night, has already stressed the administration and indicated the start of the flood season, which runs from June 15 to August 15.

The heavy rainfall caused significant inflows into Rawal, Simli, and Khanpur dams, which supply water to Rawalpindi and Islamabad. This influx of water has alleviated the anticipated summer water crisis that was expected this month.

However, the cleaning and desilting of the 18 km Nullah Leh and ten major rain drains had not been completed before the monsoon season, as work was temporarily halted due to the Eid holidays.

The cleaning efforts were expected to resume on Thursday. Last month, Rs140 million was allocated for this purpose.

The heavy pre-monsoon rains inundated low-lying areas, causing moderate flooding in Nullah Leh. The city’s sewers overflowed as the drains were blocked, spilling dirty sewage water onto streets and roads, and waterlogging the streets of the low-lying areas. The intense rainfall, accompanied by strong winds, broke the heatwave, providing relief to the residents who had been suffering from the extreme heat.

Residents of the most affected low-lying areas along Nullah Leh, including Javed Colony, Nadeem Colony, Fazalabad, and Dhok Hasu, were particularly alarmed by the torrential rains. Many began moving their household valuables to safer locations in anticipation of potential flooding and spent the night awake, fearful of floods.

In response to the situation, the district administration has called an important meeting of the Flood Control Committee next week to devise a strategy for flood management.

 Deputy Commissioner Hasan Waqar Cheema will chair the meeting, which will include officers from the 111 Brigade, Rescue 1122, Civil Defence, Police, and representatives from related departments.

Following the meeting, a full-dress rehearsal for flood protection and rescue will take place at Rawal Dam, with training provided by Navy experts. A second rehearsal will be held at Nullah Leh and Rainy Nullah Sangam in the low-lying areas of Javed Colony and Nadeem Colony.

District Officer Civil Defense Talib Hussain confirmed that the flood season has been officially declared in Rawalpindi, and all relevant institutions have begun their preparations. A flood control room will be established next week, including representatives from the army. Five flood relief camps have also been finalized and will be activated this month to assist potential flood victims.