By Urdu Report Editorial Team
RAWALPINDI/ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has warned of a risk of urban flooding in low-lying areas of Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Mardan, Swabi, Peshawar, Nowshera, Gujranwala, Gujrat, Sialkot and Lahore due to heavy rainfall expected during the night and on August 20.
The PMD has also warned of possible flash flooding in local streams and nullahs in Islamabad and Rawalpindi, as well as in Kashmir, Murree and the Galiyat region.
The department said landslides were also possible in mountainous areas of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan, Murree, Galiyat and Kashmir.
According to the PMD, monsoon currents are entering the upper parts of the country while a westerly weather system is also affecting the upper regions. As a result, Islamabad, the Potohar region, northeast Punjab, Kashmir, upper and central Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Gilgit-Baltistan are expected to receive heavy rain accompanied by strong winds and thunderstorms on Wednesday and Thursday.
The weather is expected to remain hot and humid in other parts of the country.
Heavy Rainfall Recorded in Several Areas
According to the PMD’s report, widespread rainfall was recorded in Rawalpindi, Islamabad, the Potohar region, northeast Punjab, upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Kashmir during the past 24 hours.
Rawalpindi received 147 millimetres of rain at Kacheri, 127mm at Shamsabad, 123mm at Pirwadhai and 121mm at New Katarian.
In Islamabad, Bokra recorded 104mm, Golra 100mm and Zero Point 99mm of rainfall.
Lahore Airport received 55mm of rain, while Gujranwala recorded 39mm. Nokundi recorded the country’s highest temperature at 46 degrees Celsius.
Nullah Lai Swells, Evacuation Alert Issued
The situation has become particularly concerning in Rawalpindi and Islamabad, where heavy rainfall since the night between Tuesday and Wednesday has caused the water level in Nullah Lai to rise to a dangerous level.
According to an update from the Flood Control Room, the water level at Katarian Bridge reached 21.5 feet, while 16 feet was recorded at Gawalmandi.
Warning sirens were sounded in low-lying areas. An alert was issued around Katarian, while a pre-alert was announced for Gawalmandi.
Residents in vulnerable areas have been advised to move to safer locations.
The Islamabad Traffic Police has also urged motorists and motorcyclists to drive slowly, maintain a safe distance and use fog lights during poor visibility and heavy rain.
Citizens Share Videos of Flooding on Social Media
Videos and photographs showing flooding in Nullah Lai, water accumulation on roads and traffic congestion in Rawalpindi and Islamabad are being widely shared on social media.
Several citizens have appealed to residents of sensitive areas, particularly Katarian and Gawalmandi, to evacuate immediately if the situation worsens. Information regarding rescue services, emergency helplines and relief camps is also being shared online.
Similar flooding incidents have been reported in these areas during previous monsoon spells, with water entering residential properties. The recurring situation has once again raised concerns among residents about drainage and water management arrangements.
River and Dam Situation
According to the PMD and the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), low to medium-level flooding is possible in tributary streams connected to the Ravi and Chenab rivers until August 21.
Low-level flooding is already being reported in the Indus River at Kalabagh, Chashma, Taunsa and Guddu.
Tarbela Dam has reached its full storage capacity, while the water storage level at Mangla Dam has reached around 69 percent.
Relevant authorities are continuously monitoring the situation and have advised citizens to avoid unnecessary travel and take precautionary measures in areas affected by heavy rainfall and possible flooding.
