Heavy rain floods twin cities

Heavy rain floods twin cities

RAWALPINDI/ISLAMABAD: Heavy rain early Friday inundated low-lying areas of Rawalpindi and Islamabad, disrupting daily life and causing concern among residents.

Nullah Leh and all 15 major rainwater drains recorded medium-level flooding, while water up to three feet deep covered roads and streets in several low-lying neighbourhoods. Several underpasses across the twin cities also filled with rainwater, making roads difficult to navigate.

The downpour brought cooler weather but also forced water into homes and shops, affecting routine activities. Dense black clouds, thunder and lightning continued as rain lashed the cities.

The Meteorological Department recorded 65 millimetres of rain in Saidpur, 17mm in Golra, 8mm in Bokra, 19mm at PMD, 17mm in Shamsabad, 7mm in Kacheri, 11mm in Pirwadhai, 9mm in Gawalmandi and 13mm in New Katarian.

WASA Managing Director Azizullah Khan said heavy rain had continued since early morning and that the authority had placed the twin cities on high alert and declared a rain emergency.

WASA teams and heavy machinery moved into vulnerable areas to clear rainwater and keep roads open. Machinery was deployed at Liaquat Bagh, Committee Chowk underpass, Murree Road and low-lying parts of Sadiqabad.