Daily Times

RAWALPINDI: Intermittent downpours inundated low-lying areas of Rawalpindi and Islamabad on Monday, as authorities declared ‘rain emergency’ in Rawalpindi. At least 202 millimetres of rain was recorded in Rawalpindi and 162mm in the federal capital. Heavy rain also raised the water level in Nullah Lai to 6.5 feet, prompting the district administration to take precautionary measures to tackle possible flooding.The downpours also plunged parts of Islamabad into darkness, with more than 70 feeders tripping in the city. According to the Islamabad Electric Supply Company, repair work is under way to restore electricity in the affected areas.

Spillways at Rawal Dam were opened as water levels rose. Communities residing near the dam and in low-lying areas have been asked by the authorities to stay alert.

Rain-thundershowers accompanied by gusty winds are expected at scattered places on Tuesday in Hazara, Kohat, Rawalpindi, Gujranwala, Lahore, Sargodha, Faisalabad divisions, Islamabad and Kashmir, while at isolated places in Malakand, Peshawar, Mardan, Bannu, Dera Ismail Khan, Zhob, Mirpurkhas, Bahawalpur divisions and Gilgit-Baltistan.

Hot and very humid weather is expected elsewhere in the country during the next 12 hours.

The MET office has forecast rain-thundershower accompanied by gusty winds at scattered places in Rawalpindi, Hazara, Kohat, Gujranwala, Lahore, Sargodha, Faisalabad, Islamabad and Kashmir while at isolated places in Malakand, Peshawar, Mardan, Bannu, DI Khan, Zhob, Mirpurkhas, Bahawalpur and GB.

Continuous downpour in different areas inundated roads and streets in the twin cities and commuters faced immense difficulties while trying to carry on with their routines.

Several areas in Rawalpindi such as Sadiqabad, Shamsabad, Committee Chowk and Javed Colony submerged in water. The rainwater also entered in the houses causing trouble for the residents.

According to Flood Control Unit, 202mm of rain was recorded so far in the twin cities. Sources informed that water level in Nullah Lai has rose to 14 feet as a result Civil Defense, Rescue 1122, Water & Sanitation Authority and other departments have been directed to remain alert.

On the other hand, the torrential rains also caused flooding in the nullahs and streams of Muzaffarabad. Landsliding triggered by the rain disconnected several areas from each other.

Under the influence of these weather systems, rain-thundershowers with gusty winds are expected at scattered places in Upper Khyber Pakhtunkwa’s Malakand, Hazara, Peshawar and Kohat divisions, Punjab’s Rawalpindi, Gujranwala, Lahore, Sargodha, Bahawalpur and Sahiwal divisions, Eastern Sindh’s Mirpurkhas and Thatta divisions, northeast Balochistan’s Zhob and Kalat divisions, Islamabad and Azad Jammu and Kashmir from Monday to Wednesday. Also, rains are expected at isolated places in Lower KP’s Bannu and DI Khan divisions, central and south Punjab’s Faisalabad, Dera Ghazi Khan and Multan divisions, upper and central Sindh’s Hyderabad, Shaheed Benazirabad, Sukkur and Larkana divisions and GB during the period.

The official also said heavy rainfall was expected at isolated places in Malakand, Hazara, Rawalpindi, Gujranwala divisions, Islamabad and Azad Jammu & Kashmir during the period.

Published in Daily Times, August 8^th 2018.