heHavy rainfall predicted for Pothohar region, Kashmir and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa

Two die as water level rises in Sutlej, Chenab and Indus rivers,

ISLAMABAD/LAHORE: The twin cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad like other parts of upper Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa received heavy rain on Saturday, inundating low-lying areas and paralysing routine life.

As the second spell of monsoon season is affecting the upper and central regions of Pakistan, the downpour started early in the morning in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, including Peshawar, and the adjoining areas of Punjab.

The Met Office says 52mm of rain was recorded in the city area of Peshawar and 37mm at Bacha Khan Airport by 8am during the past 24 hours. However, rain continued even after that.

But the heaviest of rainfall was reserved for Islamabad and Rawalpindi for the second consecutive day where the administration had to declare rain emergency, forcing the use of machinery to pump out water from the submerged roads and localities. The downpour continued for several hours and continued till noon.

According to the Met Office, Shamsabad had received 79mm of rain followed by 62mm at Katcheri and 39mm at Chaklala areas of Rawalpindi during the past 24 hours till 8am. The amount of rain recorded at Zero Point, Bokra and Saidpur in Islamabad was 57mm, 39mm and 26mm respectively.

Meanwhile, various parts of Lahore too were lashed by heavy to moderate rain on Saturday afternoon – the city which has so far experienced two record-breaking days of rain this season.

The Met Office says rain and thundershowers are expected in upper Punjab, Islamabad, Pothohar region, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Kashmir and northeast Balochistan on Saturday with isolated heavy falls in Kashmir and upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

On the other hand, the weather report for Sunday predicts rain and thundershower in Kashmir, Pothohar region, Islamabad, northeast/east Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

Heavy rainfall is also likely at isolated places in Pothohar region, Kashmir and upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa during the forecast period.

While,

Water levels in different rivers of the country continued to rise following heavy rains and the release of water from India, reported 24NewsHD TV channel.

Two people died after they were swept away by flash floods caused by continuous heavy rain in Landi Kotal on Saturday.

The administration and Rescue1122 personnel swung into action as floodwater entered surrounding localities of River Sutlej after the river burst its banks at Arifwala on Saturday, reported 24NewsHD TV channel.

65, 000 cusecs of water was passing through the river at this place early in the morning while the water level continued to rise.

Gradual increase in the water level was noticed in River Chenab at Muzaffargarh.

According to the Flood Forecasting Division, water inflow at Head Punjnad was recorded at 31, 000 cusecs, while the discharge at 15, 000 cusecs.

The Division predicted that the flow of water could reach 200,000 cusecs in the coming days.

The district administration said that although the situation was under control, still water levels in Chenab and River Indus were being closely monitored.

Water level in River Indus improves

Quite a pleasant change for the fishermen as the flow of water in River Indus at Kotri Barrage was recorded at 67, 348 cusecs.