7-year-old boy missing after falling into drain in Rawalpindi

A tragic incident occurred during heavy rainfall in Rawalpindi when a 6 to 7-year-old boy reportedly fell into a sewage drain near Kacha Stop on IJP Road and went missing, rescue officials said on Wednesday.

RAWALPINDI: A tragic incident occurred during heavy rainfall in Rawalpindi when a 6 to 7-year-old boy reportedly fell into a sewage drain near Kacha Stop on IJP Road and went missing, rescue officials said on Wednesday.

According to rescue sources, multiple emergency units were immediately dispatched to the scene after the incident was reported. The response team included five emergency vehicles, an ambulance, a water rescue unit, a fire vehicle, a rescue vehicle, and a medical response team. A search and rescue operation was launched without delay to trace the missing child.

Rescue officials said efforts were ongoing to locate the boy as teams continued searching the drain and surrounding areas. Authorities are using all available resources to carry out the operation under difficult weather conditions caused by heavy rainfall.

Meanwhile, Rawalpindi experienced widespread rain across several areas, with varying intensities recorded throughout the city. According to data, Gawalmandi received the highest rainfall at 33 millimetres, followed by 19 millimetres in Kachehri, 17 millimetres in Shamsabad, 16 millimetres in New Katarian, and 14 millimetres in Pirwadhai.

Water level sensors showed that the Kattarian drain recorded a water level of 5 feet, while Gawalmandi reached 2.5 feet. Officials noted that these levels remained below the pre-alert threshold, indicating that there was no immediate flood situation in the city.

Despite the absence of flooding, authorities and the Meteorological Department urged citizens to remain cautious during the ongoing rainy spell. They advised the public to avoid approaching drains, sewer lines, and low-lying water channels, as sudden water flow increases during heavy rainfall can lead to dangerous situations.

Officials further stated that all city conditions remained normal except for localized rain-related disruptions. However, they emphasized that safety precautions are necessary, especially in areas prone to water accumulation and open drainage systems.

Search operations for the missing child continued as rescue teams worked against time in challenging conditions. Authorities have expressed concern and assured that all efforts are being made to recover the child as soon as possible.

The incident has once again highlighted the dangers posed by uncovered or overflowing drainage systems during monsoon rains, prompting renewed calls for public awareness and improved safety measures in urban areas.