Two killed as torrential rains wreak havoc in Islamabad, Rawalpindi

Alert issued as torrential rains wreak havoc in Islamabad, Rawalpindi

ISLAMABAD (Dunya News) – At least two people have lost their lives as urban flooding caused by torrential rains inundated streets and main roads in Islamabad and Rawalpindi, creating immense difficulties for the residents.

According to details, four children and their mother drowned in E-11 sector when a nearby drain overflowed and water entered their house. The administration rescued three children while one child and the mother died.

Meanwhile, Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) stated that the contingents of Pakistan Army have arrived at the rain-hit areas for rescue operation. 123 millimeter rain has been recorded in different parts of the twin cities while the water level has also risen in Nullah Lai and Nullah Dek.

Rescue 1122 Rawalpindi teams have been deployed in low lying areas of the city to deal with any emergency situation.

On the other hand, heavy rains have also lashed Gujranwala, Sialkot and Jhelum.

As per Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD), more rain wind/thundershower (with Isolated heavy fall) is expected in Kashmir, Islamabad, Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Hot and humid weather is likely to prevail over other parts of the country.

PM directs NDMA to be on high alert 

On the other hand, Prime Minister (PM) Imran Khan had directed the relevant agencies including National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) to be on high alert with ready and rapid emergency response actions in view of heavy monsoon rains.

In a post on social-networking website Twitter, the premier also asked the people to stay alert and take special care.

With the heavy monsoon rains I want to alert and caution our citizens to take special care. I have also directed all the relevant reponse agencies including NDMA to be on high alert with ready & rapid emergency response actions.

— Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) July 28, 2021

The reaction came after at least two people lost their lives as urban flooding caused by torrential rains inundated streets and main roads in Islamabad and Rawalpindi, creating immense difficulties for the residents.

CM Buzdar directs precautionary measures  

Meanwhile, Punjab Chief Minister (CM) Usman Buzdar had alerted the concerned departments in view of heavy rains in Rawalpindi and danger of flood in Nullah Lai.

He directed the provincial management, Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) and Rescue 1122 to make all arrangements to deal with any untoward situation.

Punjab CM had also instructed the concerned authorities to be prepared for relief activities at all times and ensure immediate drainage of water from low lying areas.

Usman Buzdar said that all possible resources should be utilized and drainage of water should be ensured in minimum time through necessary machinery. The citizens should not face any difficulty, he added.