RAWALPINDI, Aug 19 (Alliance News): Heavy rain lashed Islamabad and Rawalpindi, triggering flood warnings as the water level in Nullah Lai crossed 22 feet at Katarian before falling to around 17 feet after rainfall eased. Rescue 1122 urged residents living near the nullah to avoid unnecessary travel and remain vigilant, while authorities advised people to keep children away from storm-water drains and electricity poles. Rainfall recorded 66mm in Saidpur, 65mm in Bokra, 63mm in Pirwadhai, 52mm in Golra, 50mm in Shamsabad and 47mm in Chaklala. WASA teams and heavy machinery were deployed in low-lying and vulnerable areas, including Sadiqabad, Dhok Khaba, Pirwadhai, Arya Mohalla and Bohar Bazaar, to deal with possible flooding and water accumulation. WASA Managing Director Azizullah Khan said teams were monitoring Nullah Lai and other drainage points and urged citizens not to dump waste into drains or remove sewer covers. The Pakistan Meteorological Department has forecast further rain, wind and thunderstorms across Islamabad and upper Punjab until August 21, warning that heavy rainfall could cause urban flooding in low-lying areas.
