Torrential rain floods Rawalpindi
Nullah Leh overflowed following the near continuous heavy spell of rain over the past two days in the twin cities. The water level in the drain exceeded well over 20 feet and flooded low-lying areas with water entering homes and causing severe damage to properties.
As the floodwater fell into Soan River, swelling in size, a rain emergency was imposed in the city, and relevant institutions were put on high alert. During the flooding, Rescue 1122 reportedly rescued two families trapped in the floodwater with the help of boats and shifted them to safe places.
After the rain subsided, the water level in the Nullah Leh decreased rapidly and after several hours, immediate danger was said to be averted.
The thunderstorm and heavy rain that started at 1.30am in Rawalpindi and Islamabad continued intermittently, causing the water level in Nullah Leh and its associated rain drains to rise rapidly. At one point, the water level in Nullah Leh reached 20 feet, prompting authorities to declare an emergency.
The heavy rains severely affected areas of Dhoke Kala Khan, Mumtaz Town, Banaras Town and Afzal Town in Chaklala Cantonment, where rainwater and sewage from the drains entered houses and streets.
In many areas, several feet of water accumulated inside houses, causing severe damage to household goods and citizens' properties. Citizens continued to drain rainwater and sewage from their homes without any assistance from the relevant authorities. The rising water level also made it difficult for several families to leave their homes.
Rescue 1122 teams carried out rescue operations during the flooding and teams remained stationed in sensitive and low-lying areas.
The heavy rain also affected traffic on the city's roads. Water accumulated on several important highways, connection roads and low-lying areas. Many roads began to look like ponds, while at some places, it became almost impossible for vehicles to pass, and traffic came to a standstill.
Citizens heading to offices and business centres faced difficulties in commuting to and from for several hours.
According to official data, the highest rainfall was recorded at Golra at 146mm while Bokra recorded 138mm. Pirwadhai received 107mm, Gawalmandi 80mm, New Katarian 76mm, near Kachhari 62mm, PMD and Shamsabad 48mm, while Saidpur recorded 16mm, bringing the average rainfall over a basin to 100.5mm.
After the intensity of the rain subsided, the water level in Nullah Leh started receding fast. By 11.20am, the water level in Katarian was 7 feet and 4.5 feet in Gawalmandi, whereas the pre-alert level in Katarian was 11.4 feet and 8.3 feet in Gawalmandi.
Despite the drop in water levels, residents of the affected areas are continuing to recover from the substantial damage caused. Citizens remain preoccupied with removing water, mud and dirt accumulated inside their houses and streets while trying to salvage household items and furniture left unaffected by the flood.
The heavy rain and flooding once again highlighted the seasonal monsoon risks faced by low-lying communities living along the drainage system and rainwater drains in Rawalpindi.