ISLAMABAD: Heavy monsoon rains battered parts of Punjab and Islamabad over the past 24 hours, prompting rescue operations in the capital and a flood alert in riverine areas across the province, according to official statements on Wednesday.
In its latest monsoon update, the Punjab Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) warned of continued rainfall in most districts until August 7, marking the sixth spell of the current monsoon season.
The ongoing downpours come as Pakistan deals with seasonal flooding and has already recorded 303 rain-related deaths, including 164 in Punjab alone, since the beginning of the season on June 26.
“In the last 24 hours, 86mm of rainfall was recorded in Gujrat, 37mm in Narowal, 28mm in Multan, 27mm in Dera Ghazi Khan and 22mm in Jhelum,” the PDMA said in a statement, adding that rain was also reported in Sialkot, Attock, Mangla, Murree, Rawalpindi, Layyah, Mianwali and Kot Addu.
“All district administrations have been directed to remain on alert,” the statement quoted PDMA Director General Irfan Ali Kathia as saying. “We urge citizens to take precautions and not let children near rivers, canals or flooded streams.”
Meanwhile, rescue teams in Islamabad evacuated more than 40 residents after floodwaters entered homes in Chattha Bakhtawar, a low-lying area in the capital.
The spillway of Rawal Dam was opened at 11:00 AM after the water level reached 1,750.90 feet, according to a notice issued by Islamabad authorities. Residents were also advised to stay away from surrounding water bodies and take necessary safety measures.
The PDMA said the flow of water remained normal in all major rivers including the Indus, Jhelum, Chenab, Ravi and Sutlej, with only a low-level flood reported at Tarbela on the Indus River. Tarbela Dam is currently 95 percent full, while Mangla stands at 62 percent.
Indian dams across the eastern rivers, according to the statement, are reported to be 56 percent full.
Since the start of the monsoon season, 727 people have been injured, 563 houses completely destroyed, and 428 livestock perished in rain-related incidents in Pakistan.
In the past 24 hours, three more people were reported injured due to monsoon-related accidents.
Islamabad’s Capital Development Authority (CDA) said no injuries were reported during Tuesday’s flood rescue in Chattha Bakhtawar, where 12 emergency personnel responded within a short span to the residents’ call, evacuating up to 45 people.
Emergency officers confirmed the operation was completed and the area had been cleared.
