RAWALPINDI: Heavy monsoon rain continued to lash Rawalpindi, Islamabad and adjoining areas on Monday, inundating low-lying localities and prompting the Water and Sanitation Agency (WASA) Rawalpindi to impose a rain emergency.
WASA Managing Director said the ongoing spell was the heaviest of the current monsoon season, with more than 140 millimetres of rain recorded in parts of the city.
Several low-lying areas of the Chaklala Cantonment Board were inundated, while rainwater accumulated on roads and streets.
Murree Road, Dhok Khaba and Jamia Masjid Road in Sadiqabad were among the areas affected by water accumulation.
WASA deployed heavy machinery and staff to clear rainwater and maintain drainage operations at vulnerable points across the city.
Residents of Javed Colony, Nadeem Colony and Muslim Colony were advised to move to safer locations as a precaution.
According to the WASA chief, machinery and personnel have been positioned at Liaquat Bagh, Committee Chowk Underpass, Murree Road, Sadiqabad, City Saddar Road, Dhok Khuba, Millat Colony and Arya Mohalla to respond to water accumulation.
Officials said drains and stormwater channels across the city were being monitored continuously amid the ongoing rainfall.
The water level at Katarian was recorded at around 20 feet, while the level at Golmandi Bridge reached 17 feet, prompting authorities to maintain heightened vigilance.
Rainfall exceeds 100mm at several stations
Rainfall data showed significant variation across Rawalpindi and Islamabad. Golra recorded 145mm, followed by Bokra with 134mm and Pirodhai with 106mm.
Other recorded rainfall totals included New Katarian 78mm, Golmandi 79mm, Kachhari 61mm, Shamsabad 47mm and PMD 48mm. In Islamabad, Saidpur received 9mm of rain.
WASA and other relevant agencies have remained on high alert as the heavy downpour continues, with teams deployed to vulnerable areas to prevent prolonged water accumulation and facilitate drainage.
Residents have been advised to avoid unnecessary travel through waterlogged roads and remain alert to official advisories as weather conditions can change rapidly during the monsoon season.
