Rawalpindi – The risk of urban flooding has increased due to rain for the third consecutive day in Islamabad and Rawalpindi. The Pakistan Meteorological Department has issued a flood alert regarding Nala Lei and directed the relevant agencies to be prepared for emergency measures.
According to the Meteorological Department, more heavy rain is likely in the next few hours. This is likely to cause water to accumulate in low-lying areas and further increase the water level in local drains. It has been directed to constantly monitor the situation, especially around Nala Lei.
According to the Meteorological Department, at 6:30 am, the water level in Nala Lai at Katarian was recorded at 21 feet, while at Gowalmandi it was 16 feet. Later, the situation fluctuated. At 11:30 am, the level was recorded at 16 feet in Katarian and 19 feet in Gowalmandi.
The intensity of the rain can also be estimated from the amount recorded in different areas. 122 mm of rain was recorded in Shamsabad, 121 mm in Kachhari Chowk, 119 mm in Katarian and 118 mm in Pir Wadhai. 100 mm rain was recorded in Zero Point and Bokra, 95 mm in Saidpur and 94 mm in Golra.
Due to heavy rain, there is a risk of water entering low-lying areas. The Meteorological Department has directed the concerned authorities to make arrangements for the possible evacuation of citizens from such areas. The agencies have been asked to keep a close eye on the situation and take immediate action in case the water level rises further.
According to Rescue 1122, water entered the premises of a madrasa in the Saddar area. About 150 children in the building were shifted to a safe place. According to rescue officials, no one was injured in the incident.
The recent rains have once again highlighted the sensitivity of Nala Lai and its adjacent populations. Last week too, after heavy rain, the water in Nala Lai had reached a dangerous level, and water had entered low-lying areas near Katarian and Gowalmandi.
Earlier, on July 23, a person was swept away by the fast-flowing water in Nala Lai. Rescue personnel recovered his body after several hours of operation. Rescue 1122 had advised citizens to avoid going near rivers and canals and crossing water during the monsoon.
Meanwhile, Islamabad Traffic Police have issued special instructions for drivers and motorcyclists during rain. Citizens have been asked to reduce speed and maintain a reasonable distance from the vehicle in front. The police have also directed to avoid unnecessary overtaking and speeding.
Drivers have been advised to use appropriate lights in case of poor visibility. The correct use of seat belts, signals and side mirrors has also been emphasised. Motorcyclists have been instructed to wear helmets and not to change lanes in a dangerous manner.
The Rawalpindi Traffic Police has also appealed to citizens to exercise extra caution during rain. The main threat to citizens is not only the accumulation of water on the roads but also the sudden increase in water flow in drains.
The Meteorological Department had already expressed the fear of urban flooding in many areas, including Islamabad and Rawalpindi, due to further rain. In the current situation, continuous monitoring of the level of Nala Lei and low-lying settlements is important because the water situation can change in a short time after heavy rain.
Citizens should avoid unnecessary travel, stay away from flooded roads and drains and follow the instructions issued by the administration. It is also important for relevant agencies to maintain rapid response capabilities in drainage systems, sensitive locations, and low-lying populations.
