Heavy rainfall has been ongoing in the twin cities since last night, according to a spokesperson for WASA.
“WASA Rawalpindi is on high alert, with a rain emergency declared. Staff and heavy machinery have been deployed to low-lying areas,” said WASA Managing Director Muhammad Saleem Ashraf.
The Minister for Housing, Bilal Yasin, and Secretary for Housing, Noorul Amin Mengal, have contacted the WASA MD and instructed him to expedite drainage operations, the spokesperson added.
The WASA MD is personally overseeing the drainage efforts, and continuous monitoring of Nullah Lai and other city drains is underway.
At Katarian, the water level in Nullah Lai has reached 16 feet, while at Gawalmandi Bridge it stands at 14 feet, according to the MD.
More than 100 millimeters of rain has been recorded in the twin cities overall.
According to the Meteorological Department, rainfall measurements at various locations are as follows: 53 mm at Saidpur, 77 mm at Golra, 95 mm at Bokra, 63 mm at PMD, 67 mm at Shamsabad, 105 mm at Kacheri, 90 mm at Pirwadhai and Gawalmandi, and 80 mm at Katarian, as reported by the WASA spokesperson.
Heavy dewatering sets are being used to remove water from low-lying areas, the MD stated, adding that WASA is fully prepared to handle any emergency.
