Twin cities battered by torrential rain as flooding worsens

Torrential rain battered Rawalpindi and Islamabad, inundating low-lying areas, flooding roads and raising the water level in Nullah Lai to dangerous levels.

The raised water levels have put emergency services on high alert and close all educational institutions.

According to PMD, the rain began at around 3:20am and continued until 8am.

Rawalpindi recorded around 200 millimetres of rainfall in the Nullah Lai catchment, with the Deputy Commissioner describing it as the highest rainfall recorded in the city in three years.

Several low-lying neighbourhoods, including Safdarabad, Sadiqabad, Dhoke Khaba, Pirwadhai, Fauji Colony, Javed Colony and Arya Mohalla, were inundated, while water accumulated on major roads and entered residential areas.

The situation around Nullah Lai remained particularly critical. PMD and local authorities reported water levels reaching around 29 feet at Kattarian and 23.5–24 feet at Gawalmandi, exceeding evacuation thresholds. 

Residents in vulnerable areas were advised to move to safer locations as authorities prepared for possible further rises.

Rawalpindi Deputy Commissioner Captain (retd) Nadeem Nasir said drains feeding Nullah Lai were backing up, forcing water into surrounding areas. WASA teams and heavy machinery were deployed to drain flooded areas, while Rescue 1122 and other emergency departments remained on alert.

Nasir also said the Pakistan Army, including the 111 Brigade, was available to assist the district administration, alongside Rescue 1122, Rangers and other institutions.