Heavy rain struck Islamabad and Rawalpindi early Tuesday, causing widespread flooding in roads and low-lying neighborhoods. This severe weather disrupted traffic and led authorities to declare a holiday for all educational institutions in the twin cities.
In Rawalpindi, several streets and thoroughfares were submerged, with the Double Road area among the hardest hit. Floodwaters covered roads and engulfed vehicles, while Arya Mohalla also faced significant inundation. In response, the district administration placed all relevant departments on high alert as water levels in Nullah Lai continued to climb.
By 8 a.m., rainfall and water-level measurements showed over 200mm of rain had fallen in the Lai Nullah catchment area. Water levels at Kattarian surged to 28.5 feet, and Gawalmandi recorded 23 feet, both well above the 20-foot evacuation threshold. Consequently, preparations began to evacuate residents living along Nullah Lai, especially in Gharibabad and other vulnerable locations.
Rawalpindi Deputy Commissioner Captain (retd) Nadeem Nasir, accompanied by the Managing Director of the Water and Sanitation Agency (WASA), inspected the Nullah Lai area to assess the situation. Nasir confirmed that WASA teams were actively working to drain water from low-lying zones and that all departments were ready to respond to emergencies. He urged residents near Nullah Lai to move away from the waterway and avoid flood-prone areas.
In a precautionary measure, the Rawalpindi district administration declared a local holiday for September 1, ordering all public and private schools in the city to remain closed. Residents were also advised to refrain from unnecessary travel due to the ongoing heavy rainfall and flooding. However, emergency services and essential departments continued to operate.
Meanwhile, Islamabad experienced heavy rain that caused drains in sector E-11 to overflow, flooding roads and some basements. The district administration reported that affected basements had been sealed and dewatering operations were underway. Additional pumps were deployed, and sanitation workers cleared accumulated water. The deputy commissioner was present at the site to oversee efforts and ensure traffic flow remained manageable.
Rainfall data indicated extensive heavy precipitation across the twin cities, with Shamsabad receiving approximately 197mm of rain, New Kattarian 185mm, Golra near E-11 157mm, and the Pakistan Meteorological Department station in H-8/2 recording 152mm. Other areas such as Saidpur, Pirwadhai, Bokra, and Katcheri recorded between 72mm and 98mm, while the basin mean rainfall was 126.68mm.
With water levels in Nullah Lai still rising, authorities have strongly advised residents to stay clear of the waterway and other high-risk areas to ensure their safety.
