RAWALPINDI: The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) on Wednesday issued a flood alert for Leh Nullah as heavy rainfall continued to batter Islamabad and Rawalpindi for a third day.

The department said that heavy rainfall, expected over the next few hours, could cause water to accumulate in low-lying areas and raise the water levels in local drains, particularly Leh Nullah.

It also issued a flood alert for Leh Nullah as the water levels at Kattarian and Gawalmandi exceeded the designated thresholds.

According to the Met Office, the water level in Leh Nullah increased to 21 feet at Kattarian and 16 feet at Gawalmandi at 6:30am, before reducing. By 11:30am, water levels at Kattarian and Gawalmandi were recorded as 16 feet and 19 feet, respectively.

The PMD asked authorities to make arrangements for evacuating people from low-lying areas. The Met department asked all stakeholders concerned to remain highly vigilant, closely monitor the situation, and be prepared to take necessary precautionary measures in case of further escalation.

The department said that 122mm of rainfall had been recorded at Shamsabad, 121mm at Kutcheri Chowk, 119mm at Kattarian, 118mm at Pirwadhai, 100mm at Zero Point, 100mm at Bokra, 95mm at Saidpur and 94mm in Golra.

Meanwhile, Rescue 1122 said that a madressah in Saddar area had to be evacuated after water entered the premises. It said that 150 children present in one of the buildings were safely evacuated, adding that no casualties were reported.

A day earlier, the Met Office had predicted more rain and warned that heavy rains may cause urban flooding in low-lying areas of Islamabad/Rawalpindi, Mardan, Swabi, Peshawar, Nowshera, Gujranwala, Gujrat, Sialkot and Lahore.

Meanwhile, a couple was killed, and their daughters were injured on Tuesday after the roof of their house collapsed following three days of heavy rainfall in Madina Town, located in Shahzad Town.

Motorists told to slow down

Meanwhile, Islamabad traffic police issued an advisory urging motorists and motorcyclists to reduce their speed, maintain a safe distance and exercise extra caution on wet roads.

It said that motorists should maintain a safe distance from vehicles ahead of them, avoid unnecessary speeding and remain within their designated lanes during the rainfall.

It advised drivers to use fog lights where needed, particularly when visibility was reduced, and ensure the proper use of side mirrors, indicators and seat belts while driving.

Motorcyclists were advised to remain in the extreme left lane, avoid risky manoeuvres and wear helmets at all times. Citizens were also advised to remain alert to changing road conditions and follow traffic instructions to avoid accidents.

Rawalpindi traffic police also issued similar instructions, urging citizens to exercise caution during the rainfall.