RAWALPINDI: Heavy rain in the twin cities of Islamabad and Rawalpindi has sharply raised water levels in Nullah Lai, prompting authorities to sound warning sirens and order residents of low-lying areas to evacuate.
Authorities said a major flood wave was moving from Islamabad towards Rawalpindi. They ordered residents in vulnerable areas along Nullah Lai to leave their homes as a precaution.
At Kattarian, the water level in Nullah Lai initially rose to 14.5 feet, crossing the pre-alert level. It later climbed rapidly to 18.5 feet.
At Gawalmandi, the water level also rose from 7 feet to 11 feet.
Authorities later reported that the water level at Kattarian had reached 29 feet, raising concerns about flooding in nearby low-lying areas.
Heavy rain also lashed several parts of Islamabad. The highest rainfall was recorded near Golra in Sector E-11, where 154 millimetres fell.
Saidpur Village received 98 mm of rain, while 72 mm was recorded in Sector I-12 and 112 mm in H-8.
In Rawalpindi, New Kattarian received 185 mm, Golra 119 mm and Shamsabad 197 mm, according to the available rainfall data. Earlier totals at the three locations stood at 101 mm, 90 mm and 75 mm, respectively.
Chaklala received 72 mm, while Pirodhai recorded 86 mm.
The Meteorological Department said the rain began at around 3:20 a.m. and continued until 8 a.m. It issued a weather alert and warned of possible flooding.
The Water and Sanitation Agency (WASA) deployed staff and heavy machinery in low-lying areas, its managing director said.
Authorities urged residents in vulnerable areas to remain alert and follow evacuation instructions.
