Torrential downpours hit Islamabad and Rawalpindi, cause traffic disruptions and inundation

WASA declares rain emergency; all 15 storm drains overflow in Rawalpindi, major thoroughfares disrupted.

RAWALPINDI/ISLAMABAD:

Torrential rain hit Rawalpindi and Islamabad, breaking the heat and humidity while causing flooding in low-lying areas.

In Rawalpindi, the heavy rain led to flooding in low-lying regions, with all 15 storm drains overflowing due to inefficiencies within the Water and Sanitation Agency (WASA) and city corporation.

Major thoroughfares, including Murree Road, Mareer Chowk, Mall Road, and Raja Bazaar were inundated which resulted in disruptions.

Meanwhile, in Islamabad, the downpour caused severe traffic congestion on the Express Highway.

The traffic pressure was particularly intense from Koral Chowk to Faizabad, with no traffic police present to manage the situation. Motorcyclists sought shelter under bridges, and no measures were in place to maintain the flow of traffic on the city's busiest roads.

A spokesperson for the traffic police told Express News that congestion on the Expressway, exacerbated by motorcycles gathering under the bridges, is being managed.

WASA Managing Director Muhammad Saleem Ashraf declared a rain emergency and put the agency on high alert.

Heavy machinery and personnel have been deployed to low-lying areas for drainage operations.

Monitoring of Nullah Lai is ongoing, with water levels reported as normal at 5 ft at Katarian and 4 ft at Guwalmandi Bridge.

Traffic at Committee Chowk underpass remains clear.

The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has recorded rainfall of 45 mm in Saidpur, 30 mm in Golra, 11 mm in PMD, and 16 mm in Shamsabad.

The forecast predicts that the rain will continue for the next two days.