Rawalpindi, Islamabad impacted by heavy rains

WASA MD says staff is present on ground with machinery for drainage in low-lying areas at Nullah Lai

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Vehicles seen driving through the roads of Islamabad as the city received heavy pre-monsoon rains on June 24, 2023. — Online
Vehicles seen driving through the roads of Islamabad as the city received heavy pre-monsoon rains on June 24, 2023. — Online

Heavy rains and thunderstorms have affected the twin cities of Islamabad and Rawalpindi, leading to issues in their sewerage systems.

The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) had forecast rainfall of 58mm in the two cities. Meanwhile, sewerage lines remain blocked after accumulation of rainwater in various areas.

In Rawalpindi, roads, particularly at Bohar Bazar, Moti Bazar, Jamia Masjid Road, and Sadiqabad, are affected by accumulated water leading to ongoing disruptions to life in both Pindi and the federal capital.

To worsen conditions for residents of the twin cities, sewage lines remain blocked with water making its way into shops and houses.

Water and Sanitation Agency (WASA) Managing Director Muhammad Tanveer said that the agencies' staff is present on the ground with machinery for drainage in low-lying areas.

The flow of water in Nullah Lai at Katarian and Gawalmandi is nine and eight feet, respectively. The MD said the water level in the nullah is being continuously monitored.

Real-time report on flood forecasting and warning system for Nullah Lai in Rawalpindi. — PMD
Real-time report on flood forecasting and warning system for Nullah Lai in Rawalpindi. — PMD

On the other hand, sectors in the federal capital, including G6, are experiencing power outages. In sector G6, electricity has been disrupted for the last two hours.

A day earlier, the Met department's forecast showed partly cloudy weather with rain-wind and thundershower (isolated heavyfalls/hailstorm) in Islamabad, with the temperature to fluctuate between 35°C to 37°C.

PMD also shared that dust-thunderstorm/rain is expected in upper/central Punjab, Islamabad, Pothohar region, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, north/east Balochistan, Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan.

"Isolated heavyfalls (with isolated hail storm) is also expected in Northeast Punjab, Potohar region, Upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Kashmir during the period," the Met Office said in its daily forecast update.