Heavy rain floods parts of Islamabad, Rawalpindi; schools closed

ISLAMABAD: Heavy rain lashed Islamabad and Rawalpindi early Tuesday, flooding roads and low-lying areas, disrupting traffic and prompting authorities to declare a holiday for educational institutions in twin cities.

In Rawalpindi, several roads and streets were inundated, with the Double Road area among the worst affected. Floodwater entered roads and submerged vehicles, while streets in Arya Mohalla were also reported to be under water. Traffic heading toward Islamabad on the Islamabad Expressway has also come to a complete standstill.

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

Nullah Lai water level crosses evacuation threshold

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

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 has begun preparations to evacuate residents living along Nullah Lai, particularly 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 near Nullah Lai were advised to move away from the waterway and avoid low-lying areas.

Local holiday announced

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

The administration also advised residents to avoid unnecessary travel due to the heavy rainfall and flooding. Emergency services and departments, however, will remain operational.

In Islamabad, heavy rainfall caused the drain 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 that dewatering operations were under way.

Additional dewatering pumps were deployed, while sanitation staff worked to clear accumulated water. The deputy commissioner was also present at the site as officials worked to maintain traffic flow.

More than 190mm recorded in Shamsabad

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 while the basin mean was recorded at 126.68mm.

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