Heavy rain lashes twin cities, ‘rain emergency’ declared

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  • 202 millimetres of rain recorded in Rawalpindi, 162 millimetres in Islamabad
  • Water level in Nullah Lai rose to 6.5 feet
  • Repair work is underway to restore electricity in Islamabad
  • Rawalpindi Traffic Police issued special traffic plan for residents
  • Authorities asked to stay alert

ISLAMABAD: Twin cities, Rawalpindi and Islamabad, received intermittent rainfall overnight and authorities concerned have declared a ‘rain emergency’ in the cities.

At least 202 millimetres of rain was recorded in Rawalpindi and 162 millimetres in Islamabad. Heavy rain also raised the water level in Nullah Lai to 6.5ft, prompting the district administration to take precautionary measures to tackle possible flooding.

The downpours also plunged parts of Islamabad into darkness, with more than 70 feeders tripping in the city.

According to the Islamabad Electric Supply Company, “repair work is underway to restore electricity in the affected areas.”

Furthermore, spillways at Rawal Dam were opened as water levels rose. Communities residing near the dam and in low-lying areas have been asked by the authorities to stay alert.

Continuous downpour in different areas inundated roads and streets in the twin cities and commuters faced immense difficulties while trying to carry on with their routines.

Several areas in Rawalpindi such as Sadiqabad, Shamsabad, Committee Chowk and Javed Colony submerged in water. The rainwater also entered in the houses causing trouble for the residents.

On the other hand, the torrential rains also caused flooding in the nullahs and streams of Muzaffarabad. Landsliding triggered by the rain disconnected several areas from each other.

 

According to the Met office, rain-thundershowers accompanied by gusty winds are expected at scattered places on Tuesday in Hazara, Kohat, Rawalpindi, Gujranwala, Lahore, Sargodha, Faisalabad divisions, Islamabad and Kashmir, while at isolated places in Malakand, Peshawar, Mardan, Bannu, D.I. Khan, Zhob, Mirpurkhas, Bahawalpur divisions and Gilgit-Baltistan.

Hot and very humid weather is expected elsewhere in the country during the next 12 hours.

Under the influence of these weather systems, rain-thundershowers with gusty winds are expected at scattered places in Upper KP’s Malakand, Hazara, Peshawar and Kohat divisions, Punjab’s Rawalpindi, Gujranwala, Lahore, Sargodha, Bahawalpur and Sahiwal divisions, Eastern Sindh’s Mirpurkhas and Thatta divisions, northeast Balochistan’s Zhob and Kalat divisions, Islamabad and Azad Jammu and Kashmir from Monday to Wednesday.

Also, rains are expected at isolated places in Lower KP’s Bannu and DI Khan divisions, central and south Punjab’s Faisalabad, DG Khan and Multan divisions, upper and central Sindh’s Hyderabad, Shaheed Benazirabad, Sukkur and Larkana divisions, and Gilgit-Baltistan during the period.

Heavy rainfall is also expected at isolated places in Malakand, Hazara, Rawalpindi, Gujranwala divisions, Islamabad and AJK.

RAWALPINDI TRAFFIC POLICE ISSUED SPECIAL TRAFFIC PLAN DURING RAIN:

Rawalpindi Traffic Police has issued special traffic plan for smooth flow during rains.

It was reported that Chief Traffic Officer (CTO) Muhammad Bin Ashraf reviewed the traffic arrangements in Rawalpindi during rain and inspected different roads of the city.

The CTO ordered traffic police to provide every possible assistance and facility to people.

For any assistance regarding traffic in Rawalpindi, people can contact the traffic police helpline 051-9273677 and 0300-7552959.