Heavy rain swamps twin cities

Floodwater transforms low-lying areas into ponds, paralyses commercial activities

RAWALPINDI:

Heavy rains continued to wreak havoc in the twin cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad for the second consecutive day on Thursday, causing widespread flooding in low-lying areas.

The relentless downpour resulted in the drowning of another child in Nullah Leh, bringing the total number of fatalities to three. The water level in Nullah Leh surged by 9 to 11 feet, prompting flood alarms.

Other 15 storm drains also experienced high levels of rainwater.

Islamabad received 85mm of rainfall, while Rawalpindi received 36mm.

The flooding transformed roads and low-lying areas into ponds, paralysing commercial activities and bringing the traffic system to a grinding halt. The Soan River also experienced high-level flooding, and despite the implementation of a rain emergency, the relevant institutions and administration failed to respond effectively.

The 111 Brigade team closely monitored the drain and reviewed various areas, while military officers visited and monitored the flood control room. A regular army contingent was put on red alert, and officers visited the safest place of Gawalmandi Bridge after the rain subsided. However, no senior officials, including the commissioner, deputy commissioner, and MD WASA, visited low-lying areas for two days.

Water flooded streets, houses, and shops in low-lying areas, subsiding after five to six hours.

The stagnant water has increased the risk of outbreaks of diseases like cough, fever, and skin diseases due to sewage contamination.

Officials panicked over the anticipation of more rain throughout the week, while residents struggled with the aftermath.

Heavy rainfall started at 5am on Thursday, continuing intermittently until evening. Water entered the houses and streets of Sadiqabad Chowk, Dhok Khaba, Qasimabad, Dhok Elahi Bakhsh, Arya Mohalla, Murid Hasan, Murid Chowk, Fuji Colony, Dhok Hasu, Ratta Amral, Mochi Bazar, New Katarian, Chaklala, Rahmatabad, People's Colony, Tinch Bhata, John Colony, Shale Valley, Dhok Syedan, Sharon Colony, Nadeem Colony and Javed Colony, forcing citizens to go to work without breakfast.

Committee Chowk Rahimabad Bridge and Chauhar Chowk underpasses were filled with water. Rainwater entered and exited low-lying areas, exposing the ineffectiveness of government drainage arrangements.

The forecast of more rain has raised concerns among residents of low-lying areas.

Rawalpindi Commissioner Aamir Rafique visited Gawalmandi Bridge, directing WASA MD to enhance the water drainage system. Staff holidays were cancelled during the rainy season.

As the rain subsided, the weather became pleasant, and groundwater levels improved. Rawal Dam and Khanpur Dam began to fill up, storing a year's worth of water for the twin cities. Residents living near the Soan River and Nullah Leh relocated to safer areas after the forecast of heavy rains. The slum-dwellers living on the banks of the Soan River and Nullah Leh have also left the area.

Shahid and Faraz, residents of low-lying areas, expressed frustration, stating that no officers visited their areas, leaving them abandoned. They urged for immediate cleaning of mud-filled streets and spraying to prevent diseases.