Heavy overnight rainfall soaked Rawalpindi and Islamabad, prompting the Water and Sanitation Agency (WASA) to issue a high alert and declare a rain emergency due to concerns over flooding in low-lying areas.
WASA Managing Director Muhammad Saleem Ashraf said teams armed with heavy machinery were immediately sent to vulnerable locations such as the Committee Chowk Underpass and Murree Road to ensure smooth water drainage.
Rainfall data from the Meteorological Department showed Saidpur recorded the highest downpour at 80 mm, followed by 40 mm at PMD, 20 mm in Shamsabad, and 15 mm in Pirwadhai.
The MD noted that Saidpur, a key catchment area for Nullah Lai, received 80 mm of rainfall in just one hour.
Despite the sudden flood, the water flow in Nullah Lai remained under control and continues to be monitored closely.
At its peak, water levels rose to 11 feet at Katarina and 5 feet at Gawalmandi Bridge, but both withdrew quickly once the rain decreased.
Saleem Ashraf assured the public that WASA is fully prepared for any emergency, working in close coordination with other departments.
He also urged residents to avoid unnecessary travel in flood-prone areas and to call WASA’s helpline in case of emergencies.
Meanwhile, the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) reported that intense rains and flash floods have claimed 64 lives and injured 117 across the country in the past week.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa was the hardest hit, reporting 23 deaths, including 10 children. Punjab recorded 21 fatalities, while Sindh and Balochistan reported 15 and 5 deaths respectively.