ISLAMABAD / RAWALPINDI :Continuous heavy downpours have been bashing the twin cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad, causing a steady rise in the water levels of Nullah Lai and prompt state action. A Rain Emergency has been officially declared across Rawalpindi as the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) warns that the next two to four hours remain extremely critical, with more rain expected to hit the region.

The Water and Sanitation Agency (WASA) has been put on high alert. On the directions of Managing Director (MD) WASA, heavy machinery and response teams have been deployed to low-lying areas. MD WASA is personally present in the field to inspect and manage the dewatering operations in real-time.

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Nullah Lai Water Levels & Official Rainfall Figures:

According to the official WASA spokesperson, the twin cities have recorded an overall average rainfall of 91.76 mm. The breakdown across different sectors and key stations includes:

• Saidpur: 91 mm
• Golra: 88 mm
• H-8: 86 mm
• Bokra: 70 mm
• Shamsabad: 66 mm
• Chaklala: 48 mm

Due to the intense downpour, the water level in Nullah Lai has reached 21 feet at Katarian and 15 feet at Goalmandi. Emergency warning sirens have been sounded along the banks of Nullah Lai to alert nearby residents and communities.

Heavy dewatering machinery is actively working in vulnerable low-lying urban pockets, including Murree Road, Committee Chowk, Liaquat Bagh, and Sadiqabad, while all major storm channels across the twin cities are being monitored round the clock.

Traffic Flow Disrupted on Islamabad Expressway; ITP Issues Travel Advisory:

Torrential rains have disrupted traffic movement on major arterial routes, particularly along the Islamabad Expressway. Officers from the Islamabad Traffic Police (ITP) are on the ground assisting commuters and managing traffic. The following official travel advisory has been issued for all motorists:

Speed & Separation Distance: Reduce driving speed and maintain a safe braking distance from the vehicle ahead.
Safety Protocols: Keep fog lights switched on, wear seat belts, and check side mirrors and indicators before making turns or changing lanes.
Two-Wheeler Safety: Motorcycle riders are strictly advised to stay in the extreme left lane and wear helmets at all times.
Citizens can access real-time road and traffic updates via the Islamabad Traffic Police WhatsApp channel, official police social media pages, and Radio ITP FM 92.4.

Weather Forecast & Safety Guidelines for Citizens:

The Meteorological Department predicts that spellbound rain will continue across Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Murree, Galiyat, Taxila, and Wah Cantt. Widespread intermittent rain is also affecting various other parts of the country, where weather-related incidents have unfortunately resulted in casualties.

City authorities strongly advise residents to stay indoors, avoid unnecessary travel, and keep a safe distance from exposed electrical poles, power lines, and rising water channels.