RAWALPINDI: A heavy rain lashed the twin cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad on Thursday inundating low lying areas in the garrison city and raising the water level in Leh Nullah.

The Pakistan Meteorological Department recorded 104mm rain at Bokra, 81mm at Zero Point, 49mm at Golra, 47mm at Saidpur, 34mm at Islamabad airport, 62mm at Chaklala in Rawalpindi and 87mm at Shamsabad. It forecast more rain and cool winds sweeping northern parts of the country during the next 24 hours.

It said a seasonal low lies over northern Balochistan with its trough extending eastwards. A westerly wave is also present over upper parts of the country and is likely to persist during the next 24 hours.

The rain started early in the morning and continued till 7:30pm. The rain exposed the poor drainage system of the garrison city.

Crops damaged in different areas in Potohar region, say irrigation dept official

The sewer system in downtown and the areas adjacent to Leh Nullah got choked with water accumulating in streets of low lying areas.

The rain raised the water level in Leh Nullah to a high alert level. The water level at Gawalmandi was recorded at 13 feet and at New Kattarian at 15 feet.

However, the dangerous level starts at 20 feet at Gawalmandi and 25 feet at New Kattarian.

Rainwater accumulated on roads at Adiala, Gorakhpur, Ali Town, Morgah, Tahli Mohri, Dhoke Syedan, Misrial, Chakri, Pirwadhai, Raja Bazaar, City Saddar, Kashmir Colony, Dhoke Elahi Bux, Dhoke Mangtal, Committee Chowk, Waris Khan, Kohati Bazaar, Commercial Market, Rehmanabad, Sixth Road, Double Road, Dhoke Kala Khan, Sadiqabad, New Shakrial, Old Shakrial, Trolley Stop, Muslim Town, Shaheen Chowk, Chah Sultan, Liaquat Bagh, College Road, Tipu Road, Gulistan Colony, Al Shifa Eye Hospital, Soan Bus Terminal, Fatima Colony, Taxi Stand, Sihala Mor and Rawat.

Water entered houses located in low-laying areas, adding to the miseries of the residents.

The most affected areas were Nadim Colony, Afshan Colony and Fauji Colony. Water also inundated flyovers at Committee Chowk and Pirwadhai Mor.

Business activities have been suspended in almost all markets and bazaars.

According to a spokesman, the Water and Sanitation Agency (Wasa) managing director put all staffers on a high alert and sent heavy machinery and suckers to the areas flooded by rainwater.

Traffic jams also occurred on various roads while wardens tried to ease the traffic flow.

The water levels in Nullah Leh and Soan River rose to a dangerous level.

Officials of the irrigation department said if it continued raining with the same intensity, water levels may reach the danger level. The heavy rain also damaged crops in Potohar region, they said.

People residing in low-laying areas criticised the district government and civic agencies for their failure in cleaning sewerage systems that caused flooding their streets.

“Rainwater entered my house and damaged the household items,” said Amir Hussain, a resident of Nadim Colony.

Another citizen, Yasir Javed, said: “I am unable to move in the street leading to my house due to the accumulation of rainwater.”

Many others protested against negligence of the city district government that led to flooding in their areas.

“It is a blessing. We are enjoying the rain that turned the weather pleasant and end the water shortage,” said Mohammad Safdar of Adamjee Road.

Sahil Hussain of Arya Mohallah said electricity cuts occurred soon after the rain started.

He expressed the hope that the water shortage in his area would end.

On the other hand, the heavy rain also doubled the miseries of villagers of Lehtrar, Kotli Sattian, Burj, Galli and Maloot Sattian. Reportedly, several roads in these areas have been blocked due to landsliding.

Published in Dawn, May 15th, 2020