ISLAMABAD: Torrential rain lashed the twin cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad on Tuesday and inundated several low-lying areas and increasing the risk of urban flooding.
The garrison city of Rawalpindi experienced over 190mm of rainfall during the last 24 hours, the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) said.
According to reports, Shamsabad area of Rawalpindi received 188 mm, Chaklala 72 mm, and Golra 102 mm. The water level In Nullah Lai drain has reached 16 feet at Katarian, while the level at Gawalmandi has been recorded at 13 feet.
Due to the downpours, the low-lying areas and major roads and streets Canal Road, New Katarian, and Syedpur Road were flooded Commissioner Rawalpindi visited different areas of the city after heavy rain.
Speaking to media, Commissioner Rawalpindi said that municipal teams have been formed for water drainage with machinery. He said the concerned departments were put on high alert and a rain emergency has been implemented in the city. He said emergencies have also been declared in hospitals. Rescue personnel have been deployed around Nullah Lai drain.
It should be noted that the Meteorological Department has predicted rain with thunderstorms in Islamabad, Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Azad Kashmir and Balochistan. Rainfall is expected in different cities of Sindh such as Sukkur, Mirpurkhas, Tharparkar, Jacobabad and Khairpur.
In an unfortunate incident, eleven people lost their lives in a wall collapse incident as heavy rain wreaked havoc in Rawalpindi and Islamabad.
The incident occurred near Peshawar Road, Golra Morr in the garrison city of Rawalpindi. The collapsed wall was said to be 100ft long and over 11 ft in height, and labourers were residing in a makeshift camp mounted next to it.
Meanwhile, a rescue operation is underway and bodies are being removed from the site. Heavy rainfall wreaked havoc in twin cities, and disrupted the power system, tripping dozens of feeders, and low-lying areas are inundated.
