WASA Finalizes Emergency Plan for Heavy Monsoon Rains

The Water and Sanitation Agency (WASA) has started finalizing its emergency plan ahead of the monsoon season as sudden rain systems and heavier-than-expected rainfall are likely to create challenges for the city’s drainage system.

According to WASA Managing Director Ghufran Ahmad, sudden rain spells can put serious pressure on the drainage network, especially when heavy rain falls in a short period. However, he said WASA has improved its capacity to deal with such situations.

He said drains across the city have been cleaned three times, while the biggest desilting plan in WASA’s history is also underway.

Ghufran Ahmad added that field staff are being deployed and emergency camps are being set up at different locations to ensure a quick response during the monsoon season.

He explained that water drainage is easier when rain falls with intervals. However, if heavy rain falls continuously in a short time, water may accumulate and drainage could take longer.

The WASA MD claimed that the agency can now drain 100 millimeters of rainwater within two to three hours, which would help manage urban flooding more effectively.