Two drown in Rawalpindi

Rawalpindi:Two children drowned in sewer drains in Rawalpindi on Wednesday. Rescue teams were immediately rushed to the spot but were not successful in their search for the drowned children at the time of filing of this report.

One child drowned in a sewer drain on Bostan Khan Road, and a girl drowned in a drain on Adiala Road. The rescue teams began search operations at both locations in the morning. The drowned child on Bostan Khan Road was 5 years old, and the drowned girl on Adiala Road was 8 years old. The Rescue 1122 Official Spokesman, Usman Gujjar, stated to ‘The News’ that their teams promptly responded to the incidents. Their continued search operation, however, has not yet found the children. The local administration in Rawal­pindi has issued an advisory to avoid further incidents, urging people to be cautious during heavy rains.

The advisory also emphasised that parents should not allow children near drains and electric poles, and should drive at low speeds during rain. It also cautioned against taking shelter under weak or dilapidated roofs during rain, and instructed people to report emergencies immediately to Rescue Helpline 1122. Residents near Nullah Leh were specifically alerted to be careful during rains. Additionally, all officers and personnel of Rescue 1122, Water and Sanitation Agency (Wasa), Metropolitan Corporation Rawalpindi (MCR), Civil Defence, etc. were asked to be present at all times to serve the public.

On the other hand, Wasa Managing Director, Saleem Ashraf, warned the public to stay away from Nullah Leh during heavy rainfall, as the Pakistan Meteorological Department had predicted heavy rainfall today (Thursday). He assured that they were prepared to prevent any untoward incidents.