WEBDESK: Due to ongoing heavy rainfall and worsening weather conditions, the district administration has declared a one day public holiday in Rawalpindi.
Deputy Commissioner Hassan Cheema issued an official notification announcing the holiday in Rawalpindi. The notice urged citizens to stay indoors and avoid unnecessary travel.
The continuous rain has caused flood-like conditions in several low-lying areas of the city. Streets and roads are submerged, and storm drains are overflowing.
A powerful flood wave is passing through the Sawan River. Water levels in the Nullah Lai have risen sharply. At Gawalmandi Bridge, the water has reached 23 feet, and at Katarian, it stands at 22 feet.
Flood alarms have been activated across the city. Rescue teams, WASA, Civil Defence, and all emergency departments are on high alert.
Traffic has been badly disrupted. Announcements are being made in mosques, asking people to stay inside for their safety.
Officials are also considering summoning the army to assist in rescue operations.
According to reports, the twin cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad received heavy rain overnight. The downpour raised water levels in Nullah Lai, triggering flood alarms. Authorities have advised residents in nearby areas to move to safer locations.
So far, 230 millimetres of rain has been recorded since last night. Low-lying areas in both cities are underwater, and people are facing serious difficulties.
Sources say the Prime Minister has asked the Rawalpindi Chief Commissioner and the Managing Director of WASA to submit an urgent report.
The emergency meeting will assess the damage caused by the rains and review the safety measures in place.
In Rawalpindi’s Katarian area, water levels in the Lai Nullah rose to 15.7 feet, prompting an alert for low lying areas. Rescue teams were dispatched to affected zones where water entered several homes.
The downpour in the cities of Islamabad and Rawalpindi has paralysed life by disrupting air travel and causing floods in various places in the cities.
The announcement of a holiday in Rawalpindi comes as the city battles continuous heavy rainfall and rising flood threats.
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