Rawalpindi

As the official monsoon flood season begins, Rawalpindi and Islamabad remain inadequately prepared, with several key flood prevention measures still incomplete, raising concerns over public safety.

Financial constraints have delayed critical preparedness efforts despite the heightened risk of heavy rainfall between July 15 and September 15, as reported by The Express Tribune.

According to The Express Tribune, desilting work on the 18-kilometre Leh Nullah and several rainwater drains remains unfinished.

Limited funding reportedly forced authorities to scale back operations, with most cleaning work confined to a small section near Gawalmandi Bridge, while large stretches, particularly in the cantonment area, remain clogged.

The incomplete work could increase the likelihood of urban flooding during the monsoon.

Residents of low-lying neighbourhoods, including Javed Colony, Nadeem Colony, Fazalabad, Dhoke Hassu and nearby localities, alleged that authorities ignored their areas despite repeated flooding during pre-monsoon showers.

Many families have already shifted valuables to safer locations, while some living near Leh Nullah have temporarily moved out due to fears of flooding.

Annual flood preparedness exercises, including rescue drills and the establishment of flood relief camps and a joint flood-control room, have yet to be conducted.

Officials said five government schools have been designated as relief camps and will become operational only after formal instructions are issued.

A flood preparedness meeting chaired by the newly appointed Deputy Commissioner is expected later this week, as cited by The Express Tribune.

Separately, civic agencies have issued eviction notices to occupants of 244 unsafe buildings and commercial properties vulnerable to collapse during the rainy season.

Many of these ageing structures, located in densely populated parts of Rawalpindi, have leaking roofs and weakened walls.

READ MORE: Shakiba Mohammad brings Middle East flavours to Guwahati

However, despite such warnings being issued every year, residents rarely vacate the premises because of tenancy concerns and fears of losing their homes, as reported by The Express Tribune.