Heavy rain floods Rawalpindi, Islamabad as Nullah Lai crosses evacuation threshold

ISLAMABAD: Heavy rain lashed Islamabad and Rawalpindi early Tuesday, flooding roads and low-lying areas, disrupting traffic and prompting authorities to place relevant departments on high alert.

In Rawalpindi, several roads and streets were inundated, with the Double Road area among the worst affected. Floodwater entered roads and submerged vehicles, while parts of Arya Mohalla were also reported to be under water.

Traffic heading towards Islamabad on the Islamabad Expressway came to a standstill amid the heavy rainfall and flooding.

The district administration placed all relevant departments on high alert as the water level in Nullah Lai continued to rise.

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Nullah Lai crosses evacuation threshold

More than 200mm of rain had been recorded in the Nullah Lai catchment area by 8am, according to rainfall and water-level data.

The water level at Kattarian reached 28.5 feet, while Gawalmandi recorded 23 feet. The evacuation threshold at both locations is 20 feet.

The administration began preparations to evacuate residents living along Nullah Lai, particularly those in Gharibabad and other vulnerable areas.

Rawalpindi Deputy Commissioner Captain (retd) Nadeem Nasir, accompanied by the Managing Director of the Water and Sanitation Agency (WASA), inspected Nullah Lai and reviewed the situation.

Nasir said WASA teams were working in low-lying areas to drain accumulated rainwater and that all departments were prepared to respond to any emergency.

Residents living near Nullah Lai were advised to move away from the waterway and avoid low-lying areas.

Holiday announced in Rawalpindi

The Rawalpindi district administration announced a local holiday for September 1, directing all public and private educational institutions in Rawalpindi city to remain closed.

Residents were also advised to avoid unnecessary travel because of the heavy rainfall and flooding. Emergency services and relevant government departments, however, remained operational.

In Islamabad, heavy rainfall caused the drainage system in E-11 to overflow, sending water onto roads and into some basements.

The district administration said the affected basements had already been sealed and dewatering operations were under way.

Additional dewatering pumps were deployed while sanitation staff worked to clear accumulated water. The deputy commissioner also visited the affected area as officials worked to maintain traffic flow.

Shamsabad receives 197mm rain

Rainfall data showed widespread heavy precipitation across the twin cities.

Shamsabad recorded around 197mm of rain, followed by New Kattarian with 185mm, Golra near E-11 with 157mm and the Pakistan Meteorological Department station in H-8/2 with 152mm.

Saidpur received 98mm, Pirwadhai 86mm, while Bokra and Katcheri each recorded 72mm. The basin mean was recorded at 126.68mm.

With water levels in Nullah Lai continuing to rise, authorities urged residents to remain vigilant, stay away from the waterway and avoid other vulnerable areas.