ISLAMABAD, July 31 (Alliance News): Torrential monsoon rains disrupted normal life in Islamabad, Rawalpindi and Murree on Friday, triggering flooding, landslides and waterlogging in several areas.
In Murree, a four-storey building collapsed after a landslide at Lakot on the Murree Expressway following heavy rainfall. Several houses in Jhika Gali, Kausar Colony and Dhak areas were also reported to be at risk due to landsliding.
Heavy rain also affected Rawalpindi and Islamabad, where water levels in Nullah Lai rose and rainwater entered homes and shops in several low-lying areas.
According to the Flood Control Room, the highest rainfall of 103 millimetres was recorded at Kachhari Chaklala during a spell that began at around 4:40am. The water level in Nullah Lai reached 10 feet, prompting a pre-alert at Gawalmandi.
A child drowned in a rainwater drain while playing in Friends Colony near Misrial Road, adding to concerns over the safety of residents during the heavy downpour.
Rawalpindi’s historic Raja Bazaar was also inundated. Traders said inadequate drainage caused rainwater to enter shops, resulting in losses worth millions of rupees.
Fawara Chowk and adjoining roads were also submerged. Residents complained that no official from the Rawalpindi Municipal Corporation was present at the site during the flooding.
Managing Director WASA Azizullah Khan said teams were deployed to drain accumulated water from several low-lying areas, including Sadiqabad, Dhok Kala Khan, Gawalmandi, Millat Colony, Javed Colony, Jan Colony, Misrial Road, Girja Road and Dhamial.
After the rain stopped, water levels in Nullah Lai gradually declined and returned towards normal levels. However, more than 50 houses in Gawalmandi and surrounding areas were reportedly inundated, damaging furniture and other valuables.
Affected residents called for improved drainage infrastructure and urgent measures to prevent repeated flooding in Gawalmandi and other vulnerable areas.
Authorities have continued drainage and relief operations as the region remains vulnerable to further monsoon rainfall.
