Rawalpindi: Due to heavy rain in the twin cities, the Nala Lai level started rising again, following which an alert has been issued for the concerned institutions and the population.
According to the meteorological department, it has rained 65 mm in Syedpur, 51 mm in Golra, 110 mm in P Bokara. Similarly, 94 mm of rain has been recorded in Kachhari region. After which the water level in Nala Lai has reached 10 feet at Katarian and 9.5 feet at Golmandi, after which a pre-alert has been issued at Golmandi.
Meanwhile, rain water entered the houses in different areas of Rawalpindi. Several feet of water accumulated in the houses at many places. In Rawalpindi’s Shale Village, Tench Bhata, People’s Colony, the roads are showing a pond while the residents are confined to their homes.
Meanwhile, a house collapsed during rain in Fuji Colony area of Rawalpindi. On receiving information about the incident, rescue teams were sent to the spot. The house was built on the bank of a canal and probably collapsed due to heavy rain. According to Rescue 1122, fortunately there was no loss of life as no one was present at home.
Apart from this, all the streets in the inner city have also started presenting the view of the pond. Vasa and Cantonment Board completely failed in 3 days continuous rain. The Kent Board and Vasa claims for drainage were flooded. Underpasses in the cantonment and all the streets of the city have turned into mini-ponds.
The main roads of the city, Murree Chowk, Murree Road, Liaquat Bagh, Mall Road, Saddar Bazaar have also turned into mini ponds. All business and commercial activities across the city are paralyzed and the traffic system is completely jammed while the traffic wardens are also missing. Water entered the shops in Mochi Bazar, Mori Bazar Sadiqabad Chowk.
On the other side of the Swan River, the houses of Sharon Colony and Kent John Colony were flooded with 3 and 3 feet of water respectively, destroying valuable household goods worth crores of rupees. Residents of low-lying areas have started temporary displacement.
Managing Director Wasa Muhammad Salim Ashraf says that the rain is increasing in the catchment area of Nala Lai. In this regard, WASA Rawalpindi is on high alert and rain emergency has been imposed. Heavy machinery and personnel have been deployed in low-lying areas for drainage.
He said that the Nallah Lai is being monitored, however, the flow of water in the Nallah Lai is normal now and we are ready to deal with any kind of emergency.