Fresh spell of torrential rains batters twin cities

Torrential rains swept across Rawalpindi and Islamabad on Friday, intensifying the cold and bringing daily life to a near standstill as rainwater seeped through dilapidated structures, prompting municipal authorities to issue precautionary evacuation notices to owners and tenants.

Prolonged power outages disrupted commercial activity throughout the day further hampering routine life. Severe waterlogging on major roads and residential areas compounded the disruption while thick cloud cover, thunder and lightning persisted. Light hail was also reported in several localities.

All low-lying areas were inundated, and key arteries, including Mall Road, Murree Road, Rawal Road, Saddar markets, underpasses and inner-city streets, were submerged, making movement extremely difficult. The drainage system was affected, leaving sewage water standing in vulnerable neighbourhoods, with water levels reaching up to one foot in some areas.

Despite the inclement weather, vendors selling dry fruits, peanuts, chickpeas, hot soups, samosas, pakoras, tea and coffee reported brisk sales. Construction work on the Kacheri Underpass project was suspended due to standing water and sludge, while attendance at courts, offices and schools remained markedly low. Birds were seen sheltering in dense clusters of trees.

With continuous rainfall, the Water and Sanitation Agency (Wasa) imposed a citywide red alert. At the same time, record snowfall in Murree and other hilly areas attracted large numbers of visitors.

Read More: Rain and snow trigger cold wave across Pakistan

Wasa Managing Director Muhammad Saleem Ashraf said all manpower and resources had been fully mobilised to deal with any emergency. He said heavy machinery and field teams were deployed to ensure rapid drainage in vulnerable areas, including Liaquat Bagh, Committee Chowk underpass, Murree Road and Sadiqabad, where dewatering operations continued round the clock. He added that Nullah Lai was being closely monitored and remained within normal flow limits, though emergency teams were on standby.

According to the Pakistan Meteorological Department, 50 millimetres of rainfall was recorded in the twin cities over the past 24 hours, with the highest precipitation in Saidpur (46mm). Heavy snowfall in Murree and Galiyat contributed to a sharp fall in temperatures in the federal capital.

The Punjab Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) issued an alert for January 26 and 27, forecasting heavy rain and snowfall across most districts of Punjab, including the Lahore, Gujranwala, Faisalabad, Multan and Bahawalpur divisions. All relevant departments have been placed on alert, with emergency control rooms operating round the clock.

PDMA Director General Irfan Ali Kathia urged citizens to avoid unnecessary travel, advising tourists in Murree to strictly follow official guidance. He has asked the public to observe precautionary measures and contact the PDMA helpline 1129 in case of emergency.