RAWALPINDI: Heavy rain in Rawalpindi and Islamabad on Friday once again increased water flow in Nala Lai, prompting the Water and Sanitation Agency (WASA) to maintain a rain emergency and deploy additional personnel and heavy machinery in vulnerable, low-lying areas.
According to the Pakistan Meteorological Department, 60 millimetres of rain was recorded in Golra, followed by 31mm in Bokra, 25mm each in Shamsabad and Pir Wadhai, 21mm in New Katarian and 22mm in Gowalmandi.
WASA steps up monitoring as Nala Lai level rises
WASA Managing Director said the latest spell of heavy rain had caused the flow in Nala Lai to increase again, with the water level at Katarian reaching 11 feet.
He said WASA staff and heavy machinery had been deployed in low-lying areas, particularly around Nala Lai, while additional personnel had been positioned at vulnerable locations to respond to any rise in water levels or accumulation of rainwater.
The WASA chief said a rain emergency remains in force in Rawalpindi in view of the prevailing weather conditions, with continuous monitoring of Nala Lai and other drains across the city.
The latest rainfall comes after repeated heavy spells battered Rawalpindi and Islamabad earlier this week, causing Nala Lai to rise sharply and inundating several low-lying areas. Authorities have since maintained heightened surveillance of the drainage network to minimise the risk of urban flooding.
Residents in low-lying areas have been advised to remain vigilant, avoid approaching fast-flowing water and follow instructions issued by the district administration and emergency services as further rainfall remains possible.
