Rain Emergency Declared in Rawalpindi as Water Level Rises in Nullah

RAWALPINDI: Heavy rainfall continued in Rawalpindi, Islamabad and surrounding areas on Wednesday, prompting authorities to declare a rain emergency as water levels in Nullah Lai continued to rise.

According to the Water and Sanitation Agency (WASA), the water flow in Nullah Lai reached 21 feet at Kattarian and 17 feet at Gawalmandi.

Warning sirens were activated in Ganjmandi, Kattarian, Dhoke Najju and Pirwadhai as authorities monitored the situation. Residents of Gawalmandi were repeatedly alerted through danger sirens.

Authorities also advised residents of Safdarabad, Nadeem Colony, Javed Colony and Arya Mohalla to move to safer locations as a precautionary measure.

WASA Managing Director Aziz Ullah said the agency was on high alert and a rain emergency had been declared across Rawalpindi. WASA teams and heavy machinery have been deployed in low-lying areas to deal with water accumulation and drainage problems.

The managing director is personally monitoring the drainage operation in the field, while Nullah Lai and other drains across the city are being continuously monitored.

WASA urged citizens to avoid unnecessary travel, stay away from electricity poles and open drains, and contact the WASA helpline at 1334 in case of an emergency.

Authorities have advised residents in vulnerable areas to remain vigilant as heavy rain continues in the twin cities.