Zubair Qureshi
The residents of the garrison city living along with the Nullah Leh are in perpetual fear of floods during the ongoing monsoon season that will last for some more weeks.
The residents of the low-lying areas are now looking towards the local authorities that they believe would take all-out measures to protect their life and property.
Zia Qureshi, a resident of Phagwari area, said “We feel confident because the government has put in place a modern early warning system that can save the lives of the people in case of a flood.”
“But if there is a flood the government will not be able to protect our properties. The residents of this area have faced huge losses in the past due to floods but they want an end to this kind of situation,” he said.
The Rawalpindi district administration issued a flood alert for Nullah Leh and ten major rain drains of the city on the basis of the forecast of heavy rains by the Pakistan Meteorological Department (Met Office).
Meanwhile, the Met Office has forecast more rains in coming days raising concerns of the residents as well as the authorities about their safety and the safety of their houses.
The local authorities have informed that in case of floods they would provide food, shelter, and medical facilities to the affected residents.
The staff members of the Water and Sanitation Agency (WASA) have been deployed in low-lying areas to drain rainwater.
The Rawalpindi Development Authority (RDA) has claimed that it has cleaned all the small and big drains so there is very little chance of flooding in Nullah Leh.
Naureen, a resident of Dhoke Najju, while talking to Pakistan Observer said “We have been quite worried due to heavy rains after mid of July but, fortunately, everyone is safe here. The fear of flood always grips us and it is quite difficult to get rid of it.”
She said “The coming weeks are also tough because the rains will continue to haunt us till the end of the monsoon season.”
Meanwhile, although heavy rain left the low-lying areas in Rawalpindi flooded, yet the city residents are enjoying pleasant weather.
The cool temperature has brought relief from the intolerable hot days. People are having better times this week compared to the preceding week.
“I have never been fond of hot days. The scorching heat always upsets me. With the arrival of the monsoon, the weather turns cool and brings respite,” said Khalid Hameed, a resident of Satellite Town.
