Heavy rainfall swept across Rawalpindi and Islamabad on Wednesday, prompting the Water and Sanitation Agency (WASA) to place its emergency response teams on high alert as authorities monitored drainage systems and rising water levels in Nullah Lai.
According to WASA Managing Director, field staff equipped with heavy machinery have been deployed in low-lying areas to ensure smooth drainage. He said blockages in stormwater drains caused by the previous spell of rain had already been cleared, while continuous monitoring of Nullah Lai and other major drains was underway. Officials added that water flow remained normal and unobstructed.
Rainfall was recorded at several locations across the twin cities, including 1mm in Saidpur, 13mm in Golra, 27mm in Bokra, 23mm at the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD), 19mm in Shamsabad, 44mm at Kutchery, 28mm in Pirwadhai, 47mm in Gawalmandi, and 32mm in New Katarian.
WASA also deployed emergency teams to Dhoke Khabba and nearby low-lying areas to speed up drainage operations, while dewatering work continued along Circular Road. According to the agency’s spokesperson, the Managing Director was personally supervising the operation to ensure a timely response to any emergency.
The heavy downpour caused water levels in Nullah Lai to rise, reaching 10 feet at Katarian and 8 feet at Gawalmandi. Authorities issued an alert as a precaution and said the situation was being closely monitored to prevent flooding.
Meanwhile, the Pakistan Meteorological Department forecast mainly hot and humid weather for most parts of the country over the next 12 hours. However, rain, gusty winds, and thunderstorms are expected in Kashmir, Gilgit-Baltistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Islamabad, and upper and central Punjab, with isolated heavy rainfall possible in some areas.
Officials have advised residents to remain cautious, avoid unnecessary travel during heavy rain, and follow instructions issued by local authorities as more showers are expected over the coming hours.
