RAWALPINDI (Web Desk) – Heavy monsoon rainfall triggered a rain emergency across Rawalpindi and Islamabad on Friday after torrential showers flooded low-lying neighbourhoods, disrupted traffic, raised water levels in Nullah Lai and prompted authorities to place all emergency departments on high alert.
The district administration activated emergency response mechanisms after continuous rainfall inundated roads, residential areas and underpasses across the twin cities. Officials directed the Water and Sanitation Agency (WASA), Rescue 1122 and other civic institutions to remain fully prepared for any worsening situation as more rain is expected.
According to the Flood Control Room, the Nullah Lai basin received an average rainfall of 54.51 millimetres during the latest spell. Kutchery Chaklala recorded the highest rainfall at 103 millimetres, followed by Shamsabad with 71mm. Other significant rainfall measurements included Saidpur Village 67mm, Pakistan Meteorological Department H-8 station 63mm, Pirwadhai 60mm, New Katarian 58mm, Golra 51mm and Bokra 41mm.
The heavy rainfall caused water levels in Nullah Lai to rise rapidly. Authorities reported that the water level reached 10 feet at Katarian Bridge and 9 feet at Gawalmandi, prompting officials to issue a pre-alert for nearby residents. Disaster management teams continued to monitor the situation closely, warning that additional alerts would be issued if rainfall intensified.
Officials said continuous surveillance of seasonal streams, drainage channels and flood-prone localities would remain in place throughout the ongoing monsoon spell. Emergency teams were instructed to remain on standby to respond immediately if evacuation became necessary.
Several low-lying areas in Rawalpindi experienced severe flooding after rainwater accumulated up to four feet deep. Water entered dozens of houses in Sadiqabad, Dhoke Khabba, Dhoke Elahi Bakhsh, Arya Mohalla, Nadeem Colony, Pirwadhai, Fauji Colony, Dhoke Hassu and Peoples Colony, forcing residents to move household belongings to safer locations.
Many residents struggled to remove rainwater from their homes while drainage systems remained under pressure due to the continuous downpour. Citizens appealed for quicker drainage operations to minimize further losses.
Traffic movement across Rawalpindi was badly affected as rainwater submerged major roads and intersections. Long traffic jams were reported at Committee Chowk, Kutchery Chowk, Rahimabad Underpass, Murree Road, Mall Road, Saddar and Peshawar Road, leaving commuters stranded for several hours.
Authorities advised motorists to avoid unnecessary travel and use alternate routes wherever possible until water levels receded. Traffic police remained deployed at major intersections to regulate the flow of vehicles.
In Islamabad’s Bhara Kahu area, heavy rainfall flooded residential streets and entered several houses, damaging furniture and household goods. Residents complained that the locality continues to suffer flooding during every major spell of rain despite repeated promises of permanent drainage solutions.
Locals said they were forced to clear water from their homes without immediate assistance and urged authorities to improve stormwater management infrastructure before future monsoon spells.
Meanwhile, Rescue 1122 launched a search operation after a child reportedly fell into a rain drain in Friends Colony on Misryal Road during the downpour. Eyewitnesses told rescue officials that the child was playing near the drain when the incident occurred. Rescue divers and emergency personnel continued searching despite difficult weather conditions.
WASA Managing Director Azizullah Khan said emergency staff, heavy machinery and drainage pumps had been deployed at vulnerable locations, including Liaquat Bagh, Committee Chowk Underpass, Murree Road and Sadiqabad.
He said field officers were personally supervising drainage operations to ensure rainwater was removed as quickly as possible and to reduce inconvenience for residents.
WASA also appealed to citizens not to throw garbage into drains or remove manhole covers, warning that blocked drainage systems could worsen urban flooding and pose serious safety risks.
Residents were advised to report emergencies immediately through WASA helplines and Rescue 1122 so that response teams could reach affected areas without delay.
The Pakistan Meteorological Department has forecast additional rainfall over the coming days, prompting authorities to maintain emergency preparedness across the twin cities. Officials warned that more showers could further increase water levels in Nullah Lai and seasonal streams, urging residents living near vulnerable areas to remain alert and strictly follow official safety advisories.
Emergency management authorities said all concerned departments would continue coordinated operations until weather conditions improve, with rescue teams, civic agencies and district administrations working together to protect lives, restore traffic flow and minimize damage caused by the ongoing monsoon spell.
