ISLAMABAD/RAWALPINDI: Rains varying from light to moderate hit the twin cities on Tuesday, bringing down the temperature but the humidity level remained at 89pc.

On the other hand, Galyat Development Authority (GDA) spokesperson Ahsan Hameed said: “Rains are likely to continue till Friday,” advising travellers to take precautionary measures.

The Meteorological Department recorded 20mm rain at Zero Point, 2mm at Saidpur, 47mm at Golra, 20mm at Bokra and 16mm at the airport in Islamabad while 20mm rain was recorded in Chaklala and 5mm at Shamsabad in Rawalpindi.

According to the Met Office official, strong monsoon currents are penetrating upper and central parts of the country.

He said rain wind/thundershower (with isolated heavyfall) was expected in Kashmir, Islamabad, Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa whereas hot and humid weather was likely to prevail in other parts of the country.

He said rain would likely continue till Friday. Under the influence of this weather system, he said rain-wind-thundershower (with isolated heavy falls) was expected in Kashmir, Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Attock, Chakwal, Jhelum, Gujrat, Mandi Bahauddin, Sialkot, Narowal, Gujranwala, Hafizabad, Lahore, Faisalabad, Sargodha, Mianwali, Kohistan, Shangla, Mansehra, Abbottabad, Haripur, Mardan, Charsadda, Nowshera, Dir, Chitral, Peshawar, Kohat, Tank and Karak with occasional gaps from Wednesday to Friday.

However, he said rain-wind-thundershower was expected in Gilgit-Baltistan (Ghizer, Astore, Diamer, Skardu, Gilgit, Hunza, Nagar, Ghanche and Kharmang), Bannu, D.I. Khan, Bhakkar, Layyah, Dera Ghazi Khan, Multan, Sahiwal, Barkhan, Kohlu, Sibbi and Zhob till Thursday.

According to the Met Office’s weather advisory, heavy rains may generate flash floods in local/barsati nullahs of Shangla, Buner, Batgram, Mansehra, Balakot, Abbottabad, Swat, Kohistan, Mardan, Charsadda, Kohat, Kashmir, Islamabad/Rawalpindi, Sialkot, Narowal and D.G. Khan.

It further predicted urban flooding in Rawalpindi, Gujranwala, Lahore, Faisalabad and Peshawar during the period.

Heavy downpour may trigger landslides in vulnerable areas of Kashmir, Gilgit-Baltistan and Upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa from Wednesday to Thursday.

On the other hand, after prediction of active monsoon in the current week, Water and Sanitation Agency (Wasa) has made all necessary arrangements.

Wasa Managing Director Raja Shaukat Mehmood told Dawn that water level in Leh Nullah did not increase as the level at Kattarian was 6.5 feet and at Gawalmandi, it was recorded at 4.5 feet.

“The pre-alert at Kattarian is 11.4 feet and at Gawalmandi it is 8.3 feet,” Mr Mehmood said, adding that the situation was so far under control. However, he said Wasa teams were on their toes.

Meanwhile, Galyat Development Authority (GDA) also issued advisory for tourists visiting Galyat in view of heavy rains.

“A new cycle of monsoon rains is likely to start from today and continue till Friday,” GDA spokesman Ahsan Hameed said, adding that, “landslides can affect traffic during heavy rains”.

“Tourists should avoid driving in rain and darkness. In the event of a landslide, staff was instructed to stay in the field 24 hours a day,” he said.

The Wasa managing director said roadside availability of small and large machinery would be ensured.

Published in Dawn, July 28th, 2021