Heavy Rain Disrupts Life and Floods Low-Lying Areas in Rawalpindi

Heavy rain disrupted daily life across Rawalpindi and Islamabad on Friday as water accumulated in low-lying areas, roads became slippery, and traffic movement slowed down across the twin cities.

The rain began early in the morning and continued until late at night, while the weather department predicted more rainfall over the next 24 hours. (Dawn)

Low-Lying Areas and Major Roads Flooded

Several low-lying parts of Rawalpindi experienced waterlogging, creating difficulties for residents and commuters.

The worst-hit areas included:

• Jhanda Chichi Road
• Ch. Bostan Khan Road
• Saddar
• Raja Bazaar
• Rashid Minhas Road
• Nogaza Road
• Transit Camp Road
• Ratta Amral Road
• Farooq-i-Azam Road
• Sadiqabad Road

Roads and streets in many downtown areas were covered with puddles, while mud and slush made travel difficult for pedestrians and motorists. (Dawn)

Students and Commuters Face Difficulties

The rain created major problems for students appearing in matriculation and 9th-grade examinations under the Federal Board of Intermediate and Secondary Education and the Rawalpindi Board of Intermediate and Secondary Education.

Many students faced delays and travel difficulties because of flooded roads, traffic congestion, and poor weather conditions.

Commuters across the twin cities also faced long delays due to waterlogged roads and reduced visibility.

Rainfall Recorded in Rawalpindi and Islamabad

According to the weather department, several areas received significant rainfall.

In Islamabad:

• Saidpur Village received 25mm
• Zero Point received 22mm
• Islamabad International Airport received 15mm
• Golra received 13mm
• Bokra received 10mm

In Rawalpindi:

• Shamsabad received 19mm
• Chaklala received 18mm
• New Kattarian received 17mm
• Kutchery received 14mm
• Pirwadhai received 13mm
• Gawalmandi received 5mm

Meanwhile, Murree recorded 23mm of rainfall. (Dawn)

PMD Warns of More Rain and Hailstorms

The Pakistan Meteorological Department said that a strong westerly weather system is affecting many parts of the country and is likely to continue until April 4.

Rain, thunderstorms, and isolated hailstorms are expected in Upper Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Kashmir, Gilgit-Baltistan, Rawalpindi, Murree, and Galiyat. The weather system may continue beyond April 4. (The Express Tribune)

The PMD also warned that windstorms and hailstorms may damage weak structures such as electric poles, billboards, and solar panels, while standing crops in Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa may also be affected. (The Express Tribune)

Murree and Galiyat on Alert

Authorities have issued a special travel advisory for tourists and residents in Murree and Galiyat because of continuing rain, thunderstorms, slippery roads, landslides, and rockfalls.

Citizens have been advised to avoid unnecessary travel to Murree and nearby areas, stay away from rivers and slopes, and immediately contact Rescue 1122 in case of emergencies. (UrduPoint)

Travelers have also been advised to drive slowly, use headlights and fog lights, avoid overtaking on slippery roads, and maintain a safe distance from other vehicles. (Centreline)

District Administration on High Alert

Dr Hassan Waqar Cheema said that flood centres had already been activated and special teams were monitoring water levels in Leh Nullah.

Departments including Rescue 1122, WASA, Civil Defence, and the district administration have been placed on alert to deal with emergencies and drain water from flooded areas. (Dawn)

Conclusion

The heavy rain in Rawalpindi and Islamabad caused major disruption, flooding roads, affecting students, and slowing daily activities across the twin cities.

With more rain expected over the coming days, residents in Rawalpindi, Murree, and Galiyat have been advised to remain cautious and follow official weather warnings.