As torrential monsoon rains continue to batter Rawalpindi and Islamabad, an alarming incident has raised concerns over public safety and infrastructure security. Unidentified thieves stole six batteries from the Rescue 1122 flood warning post located at the Nullah Leh bridge in Pirwadhai, disabling a critical flood alert system meant to warn city authorities and residents of rising water levels.
Incident Details
According to the First Information Report (FIR) lodged at Ganjmandi Police Station, the theft occurred on Sunday night. Rizwan Ahmed, in-charge of the flood control room, reported that the batteries, worth approximately Rs60,000, were taken after the culprits broke the lock of the warning system’s control room. The issue came to light when the warning post lost contact with the central flood monitoring system.
These batteries were part of an early flood warning system installed in 2006 and have been instrumental in alerting officials about potential flooding in the low-lying areas surrounding Nullah Leh, a seasonal stream known to overflow during monsoons.
The police registered the case under:
- Section 380 of the Pakistan Penal Code (theft in a dwelling or premises), and
- Section 457 (house-breaking by night to commit an offense punishable with imprisonment).
Immediate Action Taken
Despite the disruption, Rescue 1122 acted swiftly. By Wednesday, the emergency service, in collaboration with the Rawalpindi Municipal Corporation (RMC), installed new batteries at the Chungi No. 4 flood warning post, restoring the warning system’s connectivity with the central control room.
A spokesperson from Rescue 1122 confirmed that monitoring has resumed and the warning system is now fully functional ahead of more expected rainfall. The department emphasized that maintaining an active flood alert mechanism is critical, especially as Rawalpindi faces the risk of urban flooding due to ongoing heavy monsoon rains.
Rising Flood Risks in Rawalpindi
This incident occurred during a time when Rawalpindi and nearby regions are witnessing severe weather conditions. According to WASA and the Met Office, over 230mm of rain has been recorded, causing Nullah Leh’s water level to rise sharply. A rain emergency has been declared, and the army has been put on alert in case of further escalation.
The stolen batteries incident highlights the vulnerability of public infrastructure to criminal activity, especially during critical periods. Authorities have vowed to enhance security at flood warning sites and ensure such systems remain uninterrupted during the ongoing monsoon season.
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