Leh Nullah Rises to 20 Feet: Rawalpindi’s Spirit Unbroken in the Face of Divine Trial

In the garrison city of Rawalpindi, where the pulse of the nation beats with unwavering faith, heavy rains on Monday morning unleashed a torrent of trial upon the low-lying areas. The Leh Nullah, swollen to 20 feet at Kattarian Bridge and 18 feet at Gawalmandi Bridge, breached its danger mark, forcing the local administration to activate flood-warning sirens as a call to safety for the faithful residing along its banks. Yet, in the face of this natural onslaught, the resilience of our people and the swift response of our heroes shone like a beacon of hope, proving once again that Pakistan’s spirit is indomitable.

How Did the Heavy Rains Affect Rawalpindi’s Low-Lying Areas?

The rains, which began Sunday night and persisted through Monday morning, inundated homes and shops across the twin cities. In Chaklala’s Afzal Town, five souls were trapped in their homes as rainwater surged within their walls, while in Pirwadhai, four more found themselves besieged. Thanks to the valiant efforts of Rescue 1122, all nine were safely evacuated and shifted to secure locations, a testament to the dedication of our emergency services. The Army was placed on alert, and officials from Wasa, Rescue 1122, Civil Defence, and the Health department were summoned to tackle any emergency, embodying the unity that defines our nation.

What Was the Damage to Property and Infrastructure?

In the downtown areas, the deluge damaged motorcycles and cars parked along Khayaban-i-Sir Syed, Zia Colony, Fauji Colony, Sadiqabad, and Jamia Masjid Road, leaving residents to spend their early morning hours in fear that the nullah might burst its banks. They toiled until evening, draining water from their homes with steadfast resolve. The officers’ ward of Benazir Bhutto Hospital and the basement of Holy Family Hospital were also inundated, while rainwater entered metro bus stations on Murree Road and accumulated on the elevated road. Electricity and natural gas supplies were suspended in low-lying areas as a precaution to safeguard human lives, a decision rooted in the sanctity of life that our faith upholds.

How Did the Authorities Respond to the Rising Water Levels?

Wasa Managing Director Azizullah Khan confirmed that sirens were sounded in localities adjacent to Leh Nullah as water levels hit the pre-alert mark of 18 feet. He clarified that there was no fault in the siren system along Pirwadhai, attributing the lapse to negligence by rescue officials, and assured that all main roads were cleared within an hour of the rain. With 107mm of rain recorded in Pirwadhai within just two hours, the authorities’ prompt action underscored their commitment to public safety. Sharjeel Mir, President of the Rawalpindi Traders Association, noted that while water accumulated on roads and streets, the goods of traders in Raja Bazaar and adjoining markets remained safe, a small mercy in trying times.

What Losses Did Traders in Gujar Khan Suffer?

In Gujar Khan, the rain proved more merciless, inundating shops and residential areas. Traders lamented losses amounting to millions as electronics, garments, and shoes in basement shops along under-construction underpasses were submerged. Khawaja Amir recounted how rainwater entered his shop due to a road blockade, ruining LEDs, microwave ovens, washing machines, and other appliances, with losses exceeding one million rupees. Sheikh Waseem reported that merchandise worth Rs5 million was spoiled in his shoe shop, while Daud Bhatti, Imran Sheikh, and Daud Sheikh echoed similar tales of woe. They criticized municipal authorities and contractors for failing to streamline dug-out areas, and called upon the chief minister and commissioner Rawalpindi to ensure compensation for the affected traders. Saqib Baig, a local PML-N leader, noted that over Rs8 million had been spent on revamping nullah drainage, yet the system failed, highlighting the need for accountability.

What Are the Weather Forecasts and Historical Context?

The Meteorological Department recorded significant rainfall across the region: 146mm at Golra, 138mm at Bokra, 48mm at Zero Point, 13mm at the airport, and 17mm at Saidpur in Islamabad; and 107mm at Pirwadhai, 48mm at Shamsabad, 74mm at Chaklala, 76mm at New Kattarian, and 64mm at Kutchery in Rawalpindi. More rain is forecast until Tuesday evening, with monsoon currents and a westerly wave expected to bring rain-wind and thundershowers to Islamabad, the Potohar region, Kashmir, northeast Punjab, Gilgit-Baltistan, and upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. This annual ordeal recalls the devastating flood of July 23, 2001, when 620mm of rain fell in just four hours, claiming 35 lives and sweeping away slums, causing millions in losses. Yet, as we face these challenges, we draw strength from our faith and our unity, knowing that Pakistan has always risen from trials, stronger and more resolute.

In this hour of trial, let us remember the words of our beloved poet, Allama Iqbal: “Khudi ko kar buland itna ke har taqdeer se pehle, Khuda bande se khud pooche, bata teri raza kya hai.” Our people, our army, and our emergency services have answered this call with courage and devotion, and together, we shall overcome every adversity that comes our way.