A severe bout of torrential rain struck Pakistan's capital Islamabad and the adjacent city of Rawalpindi on Tuesday morning, severely disrupting daily life and inundating several low-lying neighborhoods. The sudden downpour created critical conditions, prompting the administration in Rawalpindi to immediately shut down all educational institutions as a precaution against rising water levels.
According to the Pakistan Meteorological Department, the water level in the Leh Nullah surged dramatically, reaching 29 feet at Katarian and 23.5 feet at Gawalmandi. The catchment area recorded nearly 200 millimeters of rainfall, triggering immediate evacuation efforts for residents living near the vulnerable riverbanks.
Federal Minister for Planning Ahsan Iqbal noted that the rising water levels have significantly heightened the risk of urban flooding across low-lying sectors of both cities. He confirmed that emergency response teams, including the Water and Sanitation Agency, Rescue 1122, and the local district administration, have been placed on high alert to handle drainage operations and secure public safety.
Islamabad Deputy Commissioner Irfan Nawaz Memon reported that continuous downpours have pushed the water level in Rawal Dam beyond its designated threshold. Consequently, authorities scheduled the opening of the dam's spillways at 2 PM, warning residents to stay away from nullahs and waterlogged zones. In the E-11 sector, record rainfall overwhelmed drainage networks, flooding major thoroughfares.
Water also leaked into several sealed illegal basements, prompting officials to increase the deployment of dewatering pumps and order strict action against anyone blocking natural waterways. The meteorological department had previously forecasted continuous rain across northern regions through September 5, issuing urban flood warnings for multiple cities including the twin capitals.
Traffic police advised motorists to drive slowly and maintain safe distances due to disrupted road transport in various parts of the capital. With forecasters predicting more rain in the upper regions of the country over the coming days, the threat of flooding in low-lying areas of Islamabad and Rawalpindi remains persistent.
Rescue units remain stationed in vulnerable zones while municipal workers deploy extra equipment to clear stagnant water. Authorities continue to urge citizens to avoid non-essential travel and stay clear of overflowing water channels until conditions improve significantly.
