# Heavy Rains Flood Rawalpindi And Islamabad, Schools Closed As Leh Nullah Swells

> Torrential morning rains hit Pakistan's capital Islamabad and neighbouring Rawalpindi, inundating low-lying areas and forcing authorities to shut down educational institutions as water levels rose dangerously.

**Type:** article · **Category:** Pakistan · **Published:** 2026-09-01 · **Source:** TrendKia
**Canonical:** https://trendkia.com/en/pakistan/heavy-rains-flood-rawalpindi-and-islamabad-schools-closed-as-leh-nullah-swells-25688 · **Language:** English
**Tags:** Rawalpindi flood, Islamabad rain, Leh Nullah, Pakistan weather, urban flooding

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.

## What this means for you
The severe weather conditions and rising flood risks have immediate practical consequences for local residents.

- **Across India:** There is no direct economic or administrative impact on India from this localized weather event in neighboring Pakistan.
- **In Rawalpindi and Islamabad:** Educational institutions are completely shut down, disrupting regular classes and student schedules. Residents in low-lying zones face severe waterlogging and mandatory relocation efforts.
- **Traffic Disruption:** Flooded streets have severely slowed down commuter traffic, causing widespread delays and transportation challenges across both cities.
- **Emergency Measures:** The planned opening of dam spillways and the deployment of rescue units mean residents must remain indoors and avoid water channels until water recedes.

## Questions & Answers

### 1. What caused the flooding in Islamabad and Rawalpindi?
Heavy morning rains and nearly 200 millimeters of rainfall in the catchment area of the Leh Nullah caused water levels to surge dangerously.

### 2. What action was taken regarding schools?
The Rawalpindi administration declared a public holiday for all educational institutions due to the worsening weather conditions.

### 3. How high did the Leh Nullah water level rise?
The water level in the Leh Nullah reached 29 feet at Katarian and 23.5 feet at Gawalmandi.

### 4. Why were the Rawal Dam spillways opened?
Continuous rain pushed the water level in Rawal Dam above its designated limit, prompting authorities to open the spillways at 2 PM.

### 5. Which emergency departments were deployed?
The Water and Sanitation Agency, Rescue 1122, and the local district administration were placed on high alert with response teams on the ground.

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