Spillway release blamed for flooding

The opening of the Rawal Dam spillways contributed to the devastating flooding that caused widespread destruction in Rawalpindi city on Tuesday, it was learned.

Rawal Dam was already full due to heavy rainfall, and its spillways were opened during the daytime on Tuesday. Water from Rawal Dam and Nullah Korang flowed rapidly into the River Soan.

However, because of the heavy influx of water from Rawal Dam, the River Soan could not immediately accommodate the floodwater coming from Nullah Leh in Rawalpindi. The water in Nullah Leh consequently backed up.

The obstruction to the flow caused water from Nullah Leh and 15 other rainwater drains to enter Rawalpindi city, inundating major commercial centres and densely populated wholesale markets.

The floodwater entered Raja Bazaar, Fawara Chowk, Moti Bazaar, Bara Bazaar, Dingi Khoi Chowk, Jamia Masjid Road, College Road, Naya Mohalla and the area from Pul Shah Nazar to the city's densely populated and historic wholesale markets, causing extensive destruction.

Citizen Action Committee president Malik Zaheer Awan said the devastation could have been avoided if the Rawal Dam spillways had been opened on Monday night or after 3pm on Tuesday.

"Rawalpindi city could have been saved. Islamabad was saved at the cost of drowning Rawalpindi," he said.