Torrential downpour battered the federal capital on Monday, triggering a flash flood in a stormwater drain in the Saidpur area. The surge led to the collapse of a wall under construction as part of a development project, causing significant damage to nearby homes.
Rainwater overflowed from the drain and flooded streets and houses, creating serious difficulties for residents. Locals blamed poor planning and a lack of safety measures in the ongoing development work for the incident and have appealed to the authorities for immediate relief.
Islamabad Deputy Commissioner, Irfan Nawaz Memon, visited the affected area along with the ADCG and other officials to assess the damage. He stated that illegal encroachments around the drain were a major cause of the obstruction in water flow and confirmed that an operation to remove them is underway.
According to the DC, legal notices had been served before the anti-encroachment drive began, but due to lack of cooperation from occupants, enforcement had to be initiated. He assured residents that the operation would continue until all illegal structures are removed.
The district administration also confirmed that a vehicle swept into the drain had been safely recovered. The DC has directed all relevant departments to take immediate precautionary measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.
According to the Water and Sanitation Agency (WASA) Rawalpindi, Saidpur Village received 145mm of rainfall within 3.5 hours, triggering flash floods in seasonal streams. Water flowed above bridge levels in several areas, while a car was swept away by the current. The vehicle has since been retrieved.
The Met Office clarified that the situation did not qualify as a cloudburst. "Saidpur recorded 124mm of rain in 2.5 hours, while Golra saw 46mm. A cloudburst is when rainfall exceeds 100mm in one hour," the official said.
In neighbouring Rawalpindi, water levels in Nullah Leh also rose sharply. WASA has declared a rain emergency and issued a red alert. At Katarian Bridge, the water level reached 14 feet, while in Gawalmandi it rose to 6.5 feet. Emergency teams have been mobilised to manage the situation.
The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has forecast further heavy rainfall in the next 12 hours, warning of up to 50mm in the Potohar region. The Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) administration said monitoring of seasonal streams and nullahs is ongoing to prevent overflow or urban flooding. Special teams have been deployed to ensure smooth water flow, particularly in flood-prone zones.
box
Naran Road turns hazardous amid heavy rain
ISLAMABAD. Mansehra Deputy Commissioner Khalid Iqbal has advised travellers to strictly follow safety guidelines while driving towards Naran, Kaghan and other hilly stations, and stay in touch with facilitation centres for assistance.
He emphasised the importance of public awareness and caution for travellers heading towards northern hilly areas. The district administration is actively monitoring the situation and has implemented necessary measures to ensure the safety of tourists and residents alike, he said.
"We, the s
takeholders, are fully alert and prepared. All relevant departments are on high alert, and Rescue 1122 emergency services are fully operational to respond swiftly to any untoward incident. Our top priority is the safety and well-being of the public, especially during the busy summer season when tourist flow increases significantly," he said.
The official urged travellers to strictly follow traffic rules, avoid unnecessary travel during bad weather and remain in contact with facilitation centres established along key routes. "These centres are equipped to guide and assist visitors," the deputy commissioner added. "We are committed to providing a secure and smooth travel experience for everyone."
He also advised travellers to exercise extra caution while driving from Mansehra to Naran, highlighting that the road is zigzag and can become particularly dangerous during rainfall. He warned that slippery conditions, sharp turns and reduced visibility pose serious risks, especially for inexperienced drivers. DNA
box 2
Travel advisory issued for north-bound tourists
OUR CORRESPONDENT
ISLAMABAD. As the monsoon season approaches, experts have cautioned tourists to either avoid or exercise extreme caution when planning trips to Pakistan's northern areas.
The region's picturesque landscapes and scenic beauty are expected to be shrouded in heavy rainfall, landslides and flash floods, posing significant risks to travellers.
The northern areas, known for their breathtaking scenery and adventure opportunities, are prone to natural disasters during the monsoon season. Heavy rainfall can lead to landslides, flash floods, and disruptions to transportation networks, putting tourists' lives at risk.
Dr Sadique Ali, a weather expert, has advised tourists to postpone their trips to the northern areas during the monsoon season, saying, "I strongly advise tourists to postpone their trips to the northern areas during the monsoon season as the risks associated with travelling during this time far outweigh the benefits. Landslides and flash floods can occur without warning, and tourists may find themselves stranded or worse."
He emphasised that by avoiding travel to the northern areas during the monsoon season, tourists could minimise their risk of being affected by landslides and flash floods.
Another health expert, Muhammad Nazeer, says those who still plan to visit the northern areas during the monsoon season should take necessary precautions to ensure their safety.
"Tourists should stay informed about weather conditions, travel with guides who are familiar with the terrain, and be prepared for unexpected situations", he added.
COMMENTS
Comments are moderated and generally will be posted if they are on-topic and not abusive.
For more information, please see our Comments FAQ