Torrential rain floods low-lying areas of twin cities 

According to the Managing Director of the Water and Sanitation Agency (WASA), Shamsabad received the highest rainfall, with 116 millimetres

RAWALPINDI/ISLAMABAD: Torrential rainfall for the second consecutive day has inundated several low-lying areas of Rawalpindi and Islamabad, disrupting normal life and prompting authorities to step up emergency measures.

According to the Managing Director of the Water and Sanitation Agency (WASA), Shamsabad received the highest rainfall, with 116 millimetres recorded in the area.

WASA has declared a rain emergency and cancelled the leave of field staff to ensure an immediate response to any emergency. Heavy machinery has been positioned at vulnerable locations, including Liaquat Bagh, Committee Chowk Underpass, Murree Road, Dhok Khuba, Circular Road and Sadiqabad, to accelerate drainage operations.

The agency said the water level in Nala Lai had reached 10.5 feet at Katarian and 8.5 feet at Gowalmandi. Authorities are closely monitoring the situation as further rainfall could increase the risk of urban flooding in vulnerable areas.

Moreover, Lahore is experiencing hot and humid weather, with the current temperature recorded at 31°C and the maximum expected to reach 35°C. The minimum temperature is likely to remain at 28°C, while humidity stands at 75 percent and winds are blowing at 6 kilometres per hour.

The Meteorological Department has forecast heavy rainfall in Lahore from August 17 to 20 as part of the sixth monsoon spell, with rain expected across Lahore and other districts of Punjab until August 21. Authorities have warned of possible water accumulation in low-lying areas and urban flooding.

In view of the forecast, WASA Lahore has been placed on high alert on the special directives of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif. WASA Vice Chairman Chaudhry Shahbaz Ahmed, DG WASA Punjab Tayyab Fareed, and MD WASA Lahore Ghufran Ahmed have directed officials to ensure that all major roads and underpasses remain clear and drainage operations continue without interruption.

DG WASA Punjab directed all field teams to remain fully mobilised, while MD WASA Lahore instructed officials to operate disposal stations on generators in areas facing power outages to ensure uninterrupted drainage operations.

The WASA Vice Chairman directed officials to keep pumps at all disposal stations operational and ensure that screens are regularly cleaned to prevent blockages. MD WASA Lahore also directed all Town Directors to closely monitor their respective areas and take immediate action wherever necessary.

Meanwhile, WASA Lahore has released the latest rainfall record, with 21mm recorded at the Nishtar Town Director Office, 2.2mm in Kahna and 25.4mm at the Nishtar Town Disposal Station. The Nishtar Town Disposal Station recorded the highest rainfall among the reported locations.

Under the directives of MD WASA Lahore Ghufran Ahmed, continuous monitoring of drainage operations is underway, with field officers and staff remaining fully mobilised to ensure the timely disposal of rainwater.

The Meteorological Department has also advised citizens to take precautionary measures during rainfall and avoid unnecessary travel. Relevant authorities have been directed to remain alert and take all necessary measures to deal with any emergency situation.