Staff Reporter
ISLAMABAD:As Islamabad witnessed the heaviest monsoon rainfall since 2001, local authorities, led by Chairman Capital Development Authority (CDA) and Chief Commissioner Islamabad Muhammad Ali Randhawa, launched an immediate and coordinated emergency response to minimize disruption and ensure public safety.Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi issued directives for proactive disaster management measures, following which CDA, district administration, Islamabad Police, Rescue 1122, the Disaster Management Authority (DMA), and the Metropolitan Corporation Islamabad (MCI) deployed joint teams to flood-affected areas, particularly Saidpur village, which saw 157mm of rainfall.“In view of the emergency situation, all officials’ leaves have been cancelled and we are deploying every resource to ensure the public’s safety,” said Randhawa during an on-ground inspection in Saidpur on Monday.Key areas of Islamabad recorded alarming rainfall figures: 198mm in Bokra near Sector I-12, 184mm in Golra adjacent to Sector E-11, and 175mm near Sector H-8/2 at the PMD station. The intensity of rainfall broke previous records, causing concerns over flash floods and urban inundation.Special field monitoring teams have been stationed in low-lying areas, equipped with advanced drainage machinery and emergency response equipment. “We are monitoring all vulnerable areas closely and are prepared to respond around the clock,” Randhawa added.Despite the intense downpour, Islamabad’s major roads remained open and traffic continued to flow smoothly—an outcome attributed to timely action by the CDA’s emergency units.An emergency flood cell has also been established and will remain operational 24/7 to handle rain-related incidents. The CDA has issued helpline numbers 16 and 1334 for the public to report emergencies or seek assistance.
