Torrential rain continues in Rawalpindi and Islamabad, causing water levels to rise further in low-lying areas and Nullah Lai.The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) Punjab reported on Wednesday that heavy monsoon rain was recorded across Punjab over the past 24 hours, with Rawalpindi receiving the highest rainfall of 130 mm.The managing director of WASA said that more than 100 millimetres of rain is a record in Rawalpindi and Islamabad so far.

He said that Rescue 1122 teams and other relevant departments are monitoring the situation round the clock.The Rawalpindi administration issued an evacuation alert and directed the residents to shift to a safer place. The rain was started in Rawalpindi at 11.30 pm last night and after that, the water level at Nullah Lai started rising. Shamabad received 53 millimeters of rain, Kutchery near Chaklala 47, Basin of Nullah Lai 77.43 millimeters of rain. All the relevant departments are on high alert while the situation around Nullah Lai is quite dangerous. 

Traffic police of Islamabad issued an advisory alert for the residents, asking them to adopt precautionary measures during the rainy season. They advised the public to keep a reasonable distance from other vehicles and drive on slow speed. The traffic police advised the drivers to use fog lights, remain in their relevant lane, and use side mirrors, indicators, and seat belts while driving.Several vehicles were struck by rainwater at the Noor Kot area of Shakargarh. Several feet of water entered the homes of citizens in the Antawali neighborhood. Rain water was entered citizens' homes.

In Shakargarh, a rickshaw and a citizen became trapped in deep water. The main road resembled a pond. Sara-i-Alamgir also received heavy rain late at night. The rain has made the weather pleasant, breaking the intensity of the heat and humidity. Low-lying areas were submerged due to rain; water accumulated on roads and in streets. Up to three feet of water has accumulated in the main bazaar of Sarai Alamgir, and water has entered the shops. 

Rain has continued for the last six hours in Narowal and surrounding areas of Kharian.  PDMA Punjab reported that Attock received 79mm, Lahore Airport 65mm, Wazirabad 50mm, while Gujranwala and Jhelum recorded 39mm each. Narowal received 33mm, Mandi Bahauddin 30mm, Gujrat 19mm, Sialkot 11mm and Murree 7mm. The PDMA said monsoon rain was expected in most districts of Punjab over the next 24 hours. The sixth spell of monsoon rains is forecast to continue until August 21. 

Following the instructions of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, commissioners, deputy commissioners and relevant departments across the province have been directed to remain on high alert. PDMA Director General Muhammad Saif Anwar Jappa urged people not to live in unsafe or damaged houses and advised them to stay in safe places during thunderstorms and lightning.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP)