Rawalpindi administration on alert as rain continues lashing twin cities; water levels in nullahs normal

RAWALPINDI, Mar 30 (APP): The Rawalpindi district administration was on high alert as rain continued intermittently in the twin cities from late Sunday night into Monday, which, according to the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD), may persist till April 4.

Despite the persistent rainfall, water levels in key nullahs, including Nullah Leh, stayed within normal limits, while staff of the Water and Sanitation Agency (WASA) remained in the field to drain rainwater from vulnerable localities and prevent accumulation, a WASA official said.

Deputy Commissioner Rawalpindi Dr Hassan Waqar Cheema visited Nullah Leh, inspected different points and reviewed drainage arrangements in vulnerable areas. Additional Deputy Commissioner (Headquarters) Abdul Rehman, Assistant Commissioner City Iman Zafar, Managing Director WASA and other officials concerned were also present.

The deputy commissioner directed officials to ensure continuous monitoring of Nullah Leh and utilise all available resources for prompt drainage of water. He emphasised that WASA and other departments should remain alert and maintain a strong field presence to closely monitor the situation.

He further directed that citizens be kept informed in case of any emergency and that control rooms remain fully functional to address complaints promptly. He said the district administration was taking all necessary measures to safeguard life and property and was fully prepared to handle any emergency during the rain spell.

According to the National Weather Forecasting Centre Islamabad, rainfall recorded at various locations for the spell from around noon till 6:10 p.m. included 46 mm at Saidpur, 19 mm at Golra, 31 mm at Bokra and 48 mm at PMD (H-8/2) in the federal capital, and 40 mm at New Katarian, 34 mm at Pirwadhai, 50 mm at Shamsabad and 33 mm at Chaklala in Rawalpindi. Water levels were recorded at 6.5 feet at Katarian and 4 feet at Gawalmandi and are expected to rise to 11.4 feet and 8.3 feet respectively.

Like other parts of the country, the PMD issued an alert forecasting unsettled weather, with intermittent rain, strong winds and thunderstorms in the twin cities under a new western weather system expected to enter southwestern Balochistan on April 1 and affect different regions until April 4.

Meanwhile, according to WASA Rawalpindi Managing Director Aziz Ullah Khan, field teams along with heavy machinery remained deployed in vulnerable localities to tackle any emergency. He said prompt action ensured that rainwater did not pool for long in critical areas.

Dewatering operations were carried out in low-lying localities, including Liaquat Bagh, Committee Chowk underpass, Murree Road and parts of Sadiqabad, where teams worked continuously during the rain spell.

A WASA spokesman said field officers personally supervised drainage operations under the managing director’s instructions to ensure timely clearance of rainwater. He urged citizens to avoid disposing of waste into drains and refrain from removing manhole covers, warning that such practices could aggravate urban flooding. The public was also advised to contact the WASA helpline in case of any emergency.

Meanwhile, the Rawalpindi Traffic Police, under the supervision of Chief Traffic Officer (CTO) Farhan Aslam, remained engaged in ensuring smooth traffic flow and facilitating road users during the rain. The CTO advised motorists to drive cautiously, maintain a safe distance, reduce speed on slippery roads and use fog lights, indicators and side-view mirrors during heavy rain.

He urged drivers to exercise extra care for motorcyclists and pedestrians and follow traffic rules to ensure safe travel. The CTO also directed traffic staff to remain present on roads, maintain traffic flow and provide immediate assistance to road users.

The Punjab Emergency Service Rescue 1122 also mobilised its personnel along with emergency resources in the field to ensure a prompt, effective and professional response in case of any untoward incident.