Rawalpindi: Heavy monsoon downpours measuring 20 to 33 millimeters hit the twin cities on Monday morning, prompting WASA Rawalpindi to deploy dewatering machinery across low-lying areas. The autumn temperature decline has also created ideal transmission conditions for dengue and seasonal viral infections.
Warning against heightened dengue threats, District Health Officer (DHO) Rawalpindi, Dr Jawad Zahid, told reporter that standing rainwater, combined with daytime temperatures dropping into the favorable 22°C-30°C range, significantly accelerates mosquito larvae development.
Dr Jawad confirmed that dengue cases in Rawalpindi have reached 27, with over 191,468 larval breeding sites detected and destroyed across the district this season. Further, the authorities have initiated stern legal actions, including registering over 2,717 FIRs and sealing 678 premises against anti-dengue SOP violations.
The DHO urged residents to eliminate stagnant water immediately from rooftops, flowerpots, and water storage containers.
According to a National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) flood bulletin, major rivers remain at normal flow levels, with Nullah Lai recording safe water levels of 5 feet at Katarian and 2 feet at Gawalmandi. However, the NDMA issued an urban flooding alert valid through September 30 for Rawalpindi, Islamabad, and Murree, warning of flash floods in seasonal Potohar streams as the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) forecasts continued isolated heavy rainfall, which in turn maintains a favourable environment for dengue breeding and other diseases.
Addressing the concurrent rise in seasonal illnesses as northern winds signal the gradual transition from summer heat to cooler autumn weather, public health expert Dr Adnan Khan cautioned that sudden temperature fluctuations weaken immunity, triggering influenza, typhoid and acute viral fevers.
He advised consuming boiled or filtered drinking water, avoiding uncovered street food, wearing long-sleeved clothing during peak mosquito activity at dawn and dusk, and seeking immediate medical evaluation at designated hospital fever clinics upon experiencing persistent high fever, body aches, or flu symptoms.