In a tragic turn of events, Islamabad and its neighboring city, Rawalpindi, experienced heavy rainfall leading to devastating consequences. The relentless downpour, which was in line with the predictions of the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD), resulted in the loss of 13 lives and left several individuals injured.
Reports from the authorities indicate that Rawalpindi received nearly 200 millimeters of rainfall, as anticipated by the PMD. Unfortunately, a construction site near Golra Mor, Peshawar Road, became the site of a calamity when the wall 100 feet in width and 11 feet in height of an under-construction bridge collapsed, claiming the lives of 12 people. The wall gave way and tragically trapped laborers who had set up tents to reside at the site. Upon receiving the distress call, Rescue 1122 swiftly responded and initiated rescue operations. Utilizing heavy machinery, they managed to extract bodies from the debris, and a search for any remaining victims is currently underway. So far, four individuals have been successfully rescued.
In another separate but related case, the heavy rainfall also led to a significant rise in the water level of Nullah Lai, reaching 14 feet near Katarian and 11 feet near Gawalmandi. To address the emergency situation, army troops have been deployed to offer help in necessary rain-related services. Sirens were activated in surrounding areas to alert residents, while Rescue 1122 was also placed on high alert in Rawalpindi.
In response to the risks posed by the situation, the interim Chief Minister of Punjab, Mohsin Naqvi, instructed officials from the Pakistan Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) to take immediate steps to drain rainwater from low-lying areas in Rawalpindi. The CM’s directive emphasized the urgency of the matter, demanding a progress report on the drainage efforts.
Additionally, the Water and Sanitation Agency (WASA) Rawalpindi was placed on high alert to tackle potential urban flooding. A rain emergency was declared, urging residents living along Nullah Lai and in low-lying areas to relocate to safer places. The managing director of WASA assured that their personnel and heavy machinery were actively deployed in various areas prone to flooding.
