Nullah Leh water levels ring alarm bells

Water levels in the Nullah Leh, a major storm drain passing through the twin cities, rose to 22 feet after heavy downpours for two consecutive days on Thursday, prompting the Flood Control Centre to issue a warning to evacuate people on its banks.

The twin cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad faced a severe flood situation on Thursday morning due to heavy rainfall, resulting in the disruption of daily life.

The water level at Katarian Bridge rose to 22 feet, triggering alarm sirens and prompting the administration to call in military forces, rescue teams, and emergency services.

Low-lying areas in both cities were inundated, with water entering homes and causing property damage. In Rawalpindi Cantt, areas such as Range Road, Shale Valley, and Peoples Colony were affected, while in the city, Nadeem Colony, Aria Muhalla, and Sabzazar were also submerged.

The Meteorological Department recorded significant rainfall, with the highest amount of 89mm at PMD, followed by 40mm in Syedpur, 83mm at Golra, 73mm at Bokara, 68mm at Shamsabad, and 36mm at Kacheri.

As the rain stopped, the water level in Nullah Leh receded, decreasing from 22 feet to 7 feet at Katarian Bridge and from 19 feet to 8 feet at Gawalmandi Bridge by 11.30am. WASA teams worked to remove water from low-lying areas, roads, and streets, restoring normal traffic flow.

In anticipation of further rainfall predicted by the Meteorological Department, WASA has made necessary arrangements, cancelled staff leave, and put machinery on alert.

MNA reviews arrangements

Meanwhile, Member National Assembly (MNA) Tahira Aurangzeb along with the Rawalpindi commissioner visited the Gawalmandi and Pirwadhai areas to review the water level in Nullah Leh. On this occasion, the deputy commissioner was also present.

The MNA and the commissioner inspected the water level in Nullah Leh following heavy rain in the twin cities.

Aurangzeb said all possible steps were being taken by the Rawalpindi district administration to deal with any emergency and urban flooding.

She further said that Nullah Leh was cleaned before the start of monsoon rains, per the instructions of the Punjab chief minister.

Despite heavy rains in the twin cities, the situation remained under control and there was no urban flooding in city areas, she said and appreciated arrangements made by the district administration and Water and Sanitation Agency for monsoon.

The commissioner said the officers concerned and staff had been deployed at 19 vulnerable points near Nullah Leh, adding that all the relevant departments were on high alert.