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Rawalpindi heavy rain caused widespread urban flooding across Rawalpindi and Islamabad on Tuesday, inundating low-lying neighborhoods, disrupting traffic and prompting authorities to close educational institutions in Rawalpindi. The rapidly rising water level in Nullah Lai also triggered evacuation measures in vulnerable areas.
Rawalpindi Heavy Rain Raises Nullah Lai
The intense rainfall began during the early hours and continued for several hours, leaving roads, markets and residential areas submerged. Water entered homes and commercial premises in several parts of Rawalpindi, while traffic movement was severely affected.
According to the latest Pakistan Meteorological Department figures, the water level in Nullah Lai reached 29 feet at Kattarian and 23.5 feet at Gawalmandi. Authorities began evacuation efforts in areas around Kattarian and Gawalmandi after approximately 200 millimeters of rain was recorded in the nullah’s catchment areas.
Several neighborhoods around Pirwadhai and other low-lying parts of the city experienced significant water accumulation. Rescue teams were deployed to affected locations, with Rescue 1122 reporting that dozens of residents had been safely evacuated from flooded areas.
Heavy Rainfall Disrupts Daily Life
The rainfall produced exceptionally high totals across the twin cities. Shamsabad recorded around 201 millimeters, while New Kattarian received approximately 186mm and Golra recorded 157mm. Other locations also received substantial amounts, including the PMD site near H-8/2, Saidpur and Pirwadhai.
The intense downpour caused water to accumulate on major roads, including the Islamabad Expressway, leading to traffic congestion and difficult driving conditions.
Authorities advised motorists to avoid unnecessary travel and exercise extreme caution because of waterlogged roads, reduced visibility and the possibility of further flooding.
Schools Closed in Rawalpindi
In response to the deteriorating conditions, the Rawalpindi district administration announced a public holiday for educational institutions in the city.
The Deputy Commissioner urged residents to avoid unnecessary movement as emergency and drainage operations continued across affected areas.
Emergency departments, including WASA, Rescue 1122 and district administration teams, were placed on high alert to manage flooding and assist residents in vulnerable locations.
Meanwhile, Islamabad authorities also intensified monitoring of water levels. The Islamabad district administration announced that the Rawal Dam spillways would be opened because of the rising water level, while residents were advised to stay away from waterways.
More Rain Forecast Across Pakistan
The weather threat is not limited to the twin cities. The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has warned of additional heavy rainfall in Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Attock, Chakwal, Jhelum, Murree, Galiyat and adjoining areas, with further rain expected through the week.
The NDMA has also warned of possible urban flooding, flash floods and landslides in vulnerable parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir.
The Pakistan Meteorological Department has separately forecast rain, wind and thunderstorms in the Potohar region, Islamabad, upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan, Kashmir and adjoining mountainous areas.
Authorities have urged residents, particularly those living near nullahs, streams and other waterways, to remain alert and follow official evacuation and safety instructions as the wet spell continues.See More on Pulse Pakistan
