07 Aug 2018 | 11:11 PM UTC
Pakistan: Heavy rain causes flooding in Islamabad and Rawalpindi August 6-7
Heavy rainfall causes flooding in Islamabad and Rawalpindi August 6-7, prompting authorities to declare “rain emergency”; consequent traffic disruptions and power outages reported
Event
Heavy rainfall affected Islamabad and Rawalpindi from the evening of Monday, August 6 (local time), into Tuesday, August 7, causing localized flooding in low-lying areas and prompting authorities to declare a "rain emergency" in the cities. Flooding caused traffic disruptions in both cities, and widespread power outages have been reported in Islamabad; repairs were reportedly underway as of Tuesday to restore electricity to areas affected by the blackouts.
Further heavy rainfall is expected in Islamabad, Rawalpindi, and other parts of the country in the coming days and weeks as the monsoon season continues. Consequent flooding, transportation disruptions, and power outages are possible in affected areas.
Context
Torrential rainfall is not unusual in the region during the monsoon season, which lasts from June to September. According to the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), monsoon rains left at least 67 people dead and 120 others injured from June 20 to August 5.
Advice
Individuals present in Islamabad and Rawalpindi are advised to monitor local weather reports, anticipate transportation disruptions, and adhere to all instructions issued by the local authorities. Keep in mind that driving or walking through floodwaters can be dangerous - 15 cm (6 in) of running water is enough to knock over an adult.
