Heavy rain, thunderstorms and strong winds swept across Islamabad and Rawalpindi on Saturday night. The downpour flooded roads and underpasses across the twin cities.
Several areas also faced power disruptions as intense rainfall continued for hours. Meanwhile, rainwater accumulated on streets and created difficulties for commuters.
Islamabad Roads and Underpasses Flooded
Islamabad received heavy rainfall for two to three hours, causing a noticeable change in weather. Several roads and underpasses became submerged as rainwater accumulated rapidly.
In G-6, flooding affected underpasses and surrounding roads. Similarly, streets in Chatta Bakhtawar were inundated, while water entered homes in some areas.
The heavy rainfall also brought cooler temperatures to the capital. However, the flooding created challenges for residents and traffic movement.
Nullah Lai Water Level Triggers High Alert
The situation also became serious in Rawalpindi as the water level in Nullah Lai reached 19 feet.
Consequently, the administration issued a high alert and directed relevant departments to take emergency measures. A rain emergency was also declared across the city.
The Water and Sanitation Agency deployed staff and heavy machinery to respond to the situation. Teams remained active as authorities monitored vulnerable areas.
The water level in Nullah Lai later returned to normal. Nevertheless, the district administration and relevant agencies continued monitoring the situation.
Rainfall Reported Across Punjab and KP
Heavy rain also affected Murree, the Galiyat region and several districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. As a result, temperatures dropped across several areas.
Gujjar Khan, Jhelum, Attock, Chakwal and Kallar Syedan also received rain accompanied by strong winds.
Meanwhile, the Pakistan Meteorological Department forecast more rainfall during the next 24 hours. The forecast covers Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Punjab, Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Rain is also expected in Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan. Furthermore, some areas could receive heavy rainfall during the forecast period.
The weather department has warned of possible flooding in streams and seasonal waterways. Therefore, authorities and residents in vulnerable areas remain on alert.
River Levels Also Remain Under Watch
The heavy rainfall has also increased attention on water levels in the country’s rivers and barrages.
The Indus River is experiencing medium-level flooding at Kalabagh. Water inflows there were recorded at 397,000 cusecs.
Low-level flooding has also been reported at Tarbela Dam, Chashma Barrage and Taunsa. Similar conditions were reported at Guddu and Sukkur barrages.
According to the Flood Forecasting Division in Lahore, the situation in the country’s other rivers remains normal.
Authorities continue to monitor rainfall, river levels and vulnerable waterways as more rain remains possible over the next 24 hours.
