Heavy rain hit twin cities, disrupts traffic and flight operations

Heavy rain and thunderstorms disrupted traffic in Islamabad and Rawalpindi on Monday, with long queues reported on the Expressway and a Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) flight from Paris diverted to Multan because of adverse weather.

The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) recorded 33mm of rain in Saidpur Village, 25mm in Golra, 22mm in Bokra and 23mm at its station in H-8/2. Shamsabad received 29mm, Kuri 15mm, Peerwadhai 28mm and Gawalmandi 27mm.

PMD data showed that water levels in Nullah Leh at Katarian and Gawalmandi were falling, at about eight and nine feet, respectively. A pre-alert was in place at Gawalmandi, while the pre-alert threshold at Katarian was 11.4 feet and the alert level at Gawalmandi was 14.1 feet.

The public was advised to stay away from Nullah Leh and follow instructions issued by the relevant authorities.

Rain had been continuing in the twin cities since about 3:45am, while authorities deployed staff and heavy machinery to deal with water accumulation in low-lying areas.

PIA flight PK750, travelling from Paris to Islamabad, was diverted to Multan and landed safely at 5:44am, according to a post by PIA on X. The aircraft later departed for Islamabad at 8:21am.

Traffic affected

Rain caused severe traffic disruption on Islamabad’s Expressway, with miles-long queues of vehicles reported and commuters saying they had been stuck for several hours.

Islamabad Traffic Police on X said it was working to keep traffic moving during the rain and urged commuters to follow traffic advisories and cooperate with its personnel.