ISLAMABAD: Torrential rainfall battered Rawalpindi and Islamabad early Tuesday, disrupting daily life, inundating low-lying areas and prompting authorities to place the twin cities on high alert.
The heavy downpour led to the closure of schools and other educational institutions for the day, while emergency teams were deployed in areas vulnerable to flooding. Authorities also advised residents to avoid unnecessary travel as water levels in Nullah Lai and other drainage channels continued to rise.
According to the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD), the rain began around 3:20am and continued until 8am, with several areas recording exceptionally high rainfall.
Rawalpindi records nearly 200mm rainfall
Rawalpindi received close to 200 millimetres of rain, making it the highest rainfall recorded in the city in three years, according to Deputy Commissioner Captain (retd) Nadeem Nasir.
Shamsabad recorded the highest rainfall at 197mm, followed by New Katarian with 185mm and Golra with 157mm.
Other areas also received substantial rainfall, including H-8, where 152mm was recorded, while Saidpur Village received 98mm, Pirwadhai 86mm, and I-12 and Chaklala 72mm each.
The intense rainfall placed additional pressure on the city’s drainage system, particularly Nullah Lai, which carries rainwater through Rawalpindi and can pose a serious flooding risk during periods of heavy precipitation.
Nullah Lai water level rises
The Water and Sanitation Agency (Wasa) declared a rain emergency in the catchment areas of Nullah Lai and deployed teams and heavy machinery to vulnerable locations.
According to Wasa, the water level at Katarian reached 29 feet, while the level near Gowalmandi Bridge rose to 24 feet. Sirens were sounded as the flow increased, while officials continuously monitored the situation.
Authorities reported flooding and water accumulation in several low-lying neighbourhoods, including Safdarabad, Sadiqabad, Dhoke Khaba, Pirwadhai, Fauji Colony, Javed Colony and Arya Mohalla.
Wasa teams were also deployed around Liaquat Bagh, Committee Chowk underpass, Murree Road, Circular Road and Sadiqabad to deal with accumulated rainwater.
01 ستمبر 2026 وقت: صبح 8 بجے
نالہ لئی کی سطح کٹاریاں پر 28.5 فٹ اور گوالمنڈی میں 23 فٹ پہنچ گئی۔ عوام فوری انخلا کو یقینی بنائیں اور متعلقہ اداروں کی ہدایات پر عمل کریں pic.twitter.com/FG14YevfOt— Pak Met Department محکمہ موسمیات (@pmdgov) September 1, 2026
Residents urged to move to safer areas
Rawalpindi Deputy Commissioner Nadeem Nasir directed residents living close to Nullah Lai to move to safer locations as a precaution.
Rescue 1122 teams were deployed around the water channel, while district administration personnel remained on standby to respond to emergencies. Evacuation teams were also sent to low-lying areas.
Speaking about the situation, the deputy commissioner said the biggest impact of the rainfall was being felt around Nullah Lai because drains feeding into the water channel were backing up and causing water to enter nearby residential areas.
He said the water level at Katarian had reached its highest point, increasing pressure around the Gowalmandi area. Authorities were hopeful that the situation would begin improving once the water level in Nullah Lai started to recede.
Heavy Rain Lashes Islamabad, Rawalpindi as Flood-Warning Sirens Wail
Army, Rangers and Rescue 1122 assist administration
The district administration said the Pakistan Army, Pakistan Rangers, Rescue 1122 and other relevant institutions were assisting in managing the situation.
The Pakistan Army’s 111 Brigade was also in contact with the district administration and had assured assistance if required.
Despite the severity of the rainfall, the deputy commissioner said only two emergency calls had been received at the time of his statement. He added that water accumulation in certain areas can occur during exceptionally heavy rainfall, but authorities were taking preventive measures to minimise risks.
Meanwhile, the administration ordered the closure of government and private educational institutions in both Rawalpindi and Islamabad for the day. The decision was aimed at protecting students from difficulties caused by waterlogged roads and the deteriorating conditions.
Wasa has urged citizens to avoid unnecessary travel and cooperate with emergency personnel while teams continue to monitor Nullah Lai and other vulnerable areas.
