Rain disrupts train operations

Torrential rains for the fourth consecutive day inundated railway tracks in Rawalpindi and Islamabad, disrupting train services and forcing authorities to halt eight trains bound for Lahore, Multan, Quetta and Karachi on Thursday.

The Manikyala-Sihala railway track was submerged under nearly two feet of water, prompting railway authorities to suspend train operations between 6am and 5pm until the water receded. Trains arriving from Lahore and Karachi were also stopped from using the affected section.

The disruption caused severe inconvenience to passengers, who remained stranded for six to eight hours and staged protests over the lack of food and other facilities. Several trains, including the Pakistan Express, Khyber Mail, Rehman Baba, Tezgam and two Rawalpindi-Lahore Railcars, were held at Chaklala Railway Station.

Railway officials declared the Manikyala-Sihala track highly hazardous, saying trains were passing through the section at a speed of only 10 to 15 kilometres per hour. Experts also warned against operating trains on the waterlogged track.

Railway authorities said operations on the Manikyala-Sihala section would resume once the water receded and the track was declared clear.

Meanwhile, heavy rain lashed Rawalpindi early Thursday for the fourth consecutive day, leaving several low-lying areas inundated.

The district administration directed relevant departments to remain on alert and continuously monitor low-lying areas and drains. Sanitation teams were also placed on standby to ensure timely drainage.

The Water and Sanitation Agency (Wasa) Rawalpindi declared a rain emergency, deploying staff and heavy machinery to several areas, including Gawalmandi, Liaquat Bagh, Committee Chowk Underpass, Murree Road and Sadiqabad.

Wasa Managing Director Azizullah Khan said the Nullah Lai and other drains across the city were being monitored continuously. Water levels at Kattarian and Gawalmandi Bridge were recorded at eight and six feet, respectively, while New Kattarian received the highest rainfall of 43-45 millimetres.

According to the Met Office, 14mm of rain was recorded in Saidpur, 34mm in Golra, 19mm in Bokra, 12mm at PMD, 18mm in Shamsabad, 23mm in Kacheri, 28mm in Pirwadhai and 18mm in Gawalmandi.

Rescue 1122 reported three rain-related incidents in which 12 people were safely rescued. Three people were rescued at Hakla Interchange, five at Shahbagh and four in Kharkan village. No casualties were reported.

Rescue officials said rainfall had stopped at all nine rain gauges, while water levels at Kattarian and Gawalmandi had fallen to seven and four feet, respectively. The level of Nullah Lai had also dropped below the pre-alert mark.

Rescue 1122 advised citizens to avoid crossing streams and drains and keep children away from waterways and electricity poles.

The Water and Sanitation Agency (WASA) Rawalpindi declared a rain emergency in response to the weather. Managing Director Azizullah Khan said staff and heavy machinery had been deployed in low-lying areas, while drainage operations were under way in Gawalmandi, Liaquat Bagh, Committee Chowk Underpass, Murree Road and Saddarabad, among other areas.

The Meteorological Department recorded 14mm of rain in Saidpur, 34mm in Golra, 19mm in Bokra, 12mm at PMD, 18mm in Shamsabad, 23mm at Kachehri, 28mm in Pirwadhai and 18mm in Gawalmandi.