Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has called an emergency meeting in response to the escalating flood threat in Rawalpindi, following relentless rainfall that has pushed local waterways to dangerous levels.
Torrential rain since Wednesday night has battered both Rawalpindi and Islamabad, resulting in the rapid swelling of Nullah Leh and prompting flood warnings across several vulnerable areas. Officials reported over 230 millimeters of rainfall in parts of the twin cities, leaving low-lying neighborhoods inundated and residents grappling with rising waters.
At critical points such as Gawalmandi and Katarian Bridge, water levels in Nullah Leh have surged to 20 feet, surpassing safety thresholds. Local authorities, including the Water and Sanitation Agency (WASA) and district administration, have begun evacuating families from flood-prone zones to prevent potential tragedies.
In response to the worsening situation, Prime Minister Shehbaz has requested detailed briefings from the Chief Commissioner of Rawalpindi and the Managing Director of WASA. The emergency session will evaluate the extent of damage, ongoing rescue operations, and the implementation of preventive strategies to safeguard residents and infrastructure.
Officials emphasized that the government is closely monitoring the situation and coordinating with disaster management agencies to ensure a swift and effective response. The Prime Minister is expected to issue directives aimed at strengthening flood preparedness and minimizing risks to human life as further rainfall is anticipated in the coming days.