RAWALPINDI
Heavy monsoon rainfall has wreaked havoc in different parts of Punjab, killing at least 43 more people in the last 24 hours and causing urban flooding in Islamabad and Rawalpindi.
As per a Water and Sanitation Agency (Wasa) spokesperson, the authority’s managing director has reached out to the Pakistan Army’s 111 Brigade as it has been decided to call in the army in case of an emergency.
With the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) forecasting more downpour, sirens have been sounded in areas surrounding Nullah Leh as the water level has risen by 22 feet prompting the Met Office to issue evacuation orders.
Wasa has said that a rain emergency has been imposed and its teams and heavy machinery have been deployed in low-lying areas of Rawalpindi with personnel busy in drainage efforts to address accumulated water.
“Nullah Leh and drains across the city are being continuously monitored,” said Wasa Rawalpindi Manaing Director (MD) Saleem Ashraf, adding that the water level at Katarian was 22 feet and 23 feet at Gowalmandi Bridge.
Meanwhile, Rescue 1122 has also been put on high alert, with its district administration officer advising people to safe places before urban flooding and to evacuate dilapidated buildings.
So far, Saidpur has received 53mm of rain, 77mm in Golra, 95mm in Bokra, 67mm in Shamsabad, 105mm in Kachehri, 90mm in Pirwadhai and Gowalmandi and 80mm in Katarian. In a statement, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz said emergency was declared in various areas of the province due to “unprecedented” stormy rains and flooding.
“Government institutions are working with zeal and utmost effort. The administration has been directed to keep the public informed through sirens and announcements,” she wrote on her X handle. She also urged the public to cooperate with the institutions and follow safety guidelines.
Apart from the twin cities, various areas across Punjab continue to be battered by heavy rains. A cloud burst was witnessed in Chakwal, causing as much as 423mm of rain.
Several low-lying areas have been inundated with water, entering the houses. The district administration has said that a rescue operation was underway to move citizens to safer places.
As per the additional deputy commissioner, the dire situation is a result of a cloudburst.”Civil administration is working to rescue citizens,” said Bilal Bin Hafeez.
Separately, continuous rain overnight has caused flooding in rivers and canals in Jhelum with the district administration calling in the army and a helicopter to rescue those trapped in flood water — which has entered surrounding areas.Rescue teams are facing difficulties due to high water levels.
Also, Sheikhupura and the surrounding areas have also been battered by heavy rains measuring up to 217mm.Speaking on the heavy rains and situation across Punjab, Secretary Emergency Services Dr Rizwan said that more than 400mm of downpour was recorded in Chakwal and therefore, managing the situation was challenging.
Various small dams have overflowed in the district, causing a flood-like situation. Furthermore, water has also entered the historic Katas Raj temple located near the town of Choa Saidanshah in the Potohar region. “So far, the roofs of about 310 houses have collapsed in Punjab during the monsoon season and 15 traffic accidents have occurred due to rain [in the province].
“Around 90 deaths have occurred in various accidents across Punjab since June 16,” Dr Rizwan revealed. On the overall situation in the province, a rescue spokesperson said at least 130 incidents of roof and wall collapses reported across Punjab. Out of the total 43 fatalities, 16 occurred in Lahore, five in Sheikhupura, four each in Okara and Pakpatan and two in Chakwal.
