RAWALPINDI: The twin cities of Islamabad and Rawalpindi saw an enjoyable change in the weather on Tuesday with rain bringing the temperature down.

The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has predicted more rain in the current week. On the other hand, after PMD’s prediction of active monsoon in the current week, a rain emergency has also been imposed in the garrison city.

The district administration has already put civic bodies, Rescue 1122 and hospitals on alert to deal with any emergency. The Meteorological Department recorded 20mm rain at Zero Point, 7mm at Saidpur, 38mm at Golra, 14mm at Bokra while 1mm at Airport in Islamabad while 30mm of rain was recorded at Chaklala and 17mm at Shamsabad in Rawalpindi.

According to a Met official, cloudy weather is expected in most parts of the country with chances of rain-wind/thundershower and gusty winds are expected in Kashmir, Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Islamabad, Gilgit-Baltistan, Balochistan and Sindh. Heavy rain fall is also expected in Islamabad, Punjab, Kashmir and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in isolated places during the period.

Furthermore, the water level in Leh Nullah increased to 10ft at Kattarian bridge and 7ft at Gawalmandi.

Water and Sanitation Agency (Wasa) Managing Director Raja Shaukat Mehmood told Dawn that emergency staff had been asked to remain on duty to deal with an emergency.

Rawal and Khanpur Dams not filled yet

Wasa Managing Director Raja Shaukat Mehmood told Dawn that Rawal Dam is still 7ft below its filling capacity but it is expected to fill up as more rain is predicted in the coming days.

He said the level in Rawal Dam increased by 3ft after the recent spells of rain. He said at present, the water level is 1,745ft and filling capacity of the dam is at 1,752ft. Around 25 million gallons daily (MGD) water is being supplied to Rawalpindi through Rawal Dam.

Published in Dawn, July 14th, 2021