RAWALPINDI/ISLAMABAD: Heavy rainfall in Rawalpindi and Islamabad has caused a sharp rise in the water level of Nullah Lai, prompting authorities to issue evacuation instructions to residents living along the waterway and place rescue services on high alert.
According to officials, the water level at Katarian crossed 22 feet, raising concerns about possible flooding in low-lying and densely populated areas surrounding Nullah Lai.
As the water level continued to rise, warning sirens were sounded in areas around the nullah. Rescue authorities were placed on high alert and instructed to remain prepared for emergency operations.
Residents living near Nullah Lai were advised to evacuate their homes and move toward safer locations. Authorities issued the instructions as a precautionary measure to prevent loss of life in case the water level rises further or flooding intensifies.
The heavy rainfall has already affected several localities in Rawalpindi. Water reportedly entered homes in Sadiqabad and Dhoke Elahi Bakhsh, causing difficulties for residents and disrupting normal life.
Several major roads have also been affected by accumulated rainwater. Water was reported on Murree Road and Rawal Road, creating problems for motorists and pedestrians.
The rainfall was particularly intense in parts of Islamabad and its surrounding areas. According to rainfall measurements, Golra received the highest rainfall, with 113 millimetres recorded during the spell.
The situation around Nullah Lai remains a major concern because the waterway passes through densely populated parts of Rawalpindi. During periods of intense rainfall, a rapid increase in its water level can create a serious flood threat for nearby communities.
Emergency and rescue teams have therefore been placed on high alert to respond quickly if the situation deteriorates. Authorities are monitoring the water level and weather conditions closely.
Residents in vulnerable areas have been advised to follow official evacuation instructions and avoid unnecessary movement near the nullah and flooded roads. People have also been urged to remain cautious while travelling during periods of heavy rainfall.
Meanwhile, heavy rainfall in occupied Jammu and adjoining upper areas has also contributed to a flood situation in Nullah Bein near Shakargarh.
According to reports, more than a dozen villages have been affected, with floodwater inundating agricultural land and damaging or submerging crops. The situation has raised concerns among farmers and residents in low-lying areas.
The flooding in Nullah Bein is being monitored by the relevant authorities as water levels continue to be influenced by rainfall in upstream areas.
The Flood Forecasting Division Lahore has also issued an assessment of the situation in the country’s rivers. According to the division, low-level flooding has been reported in the Indus River at Kalabagh and Guddu Barrage.
However, the situation in other major rivers remains normal, according to the latest assessment.
The combination of heavy rainfall in Rawalpindi-Islamabad and upstream rainfall in other regions has increased concerns about localized flooding, particularly in areas near streams, nullahs and rivers.
Authorities are continuing to monitor water levels and rainfall patterns to assess the possibility of further flooding. Rescue services have been directed to remain ready for emergency evacuations and relief operations if required.
The latest developments highlight the vulnerability of urban areas such as Rawalpindi to flash flooding during intense monsoon spells. Nullah Lai has historically experienced rapid rises in water levels during heavy rainfall, creating risks for communities living along its banks.
Officials have urged residents to take evacuation warnings seriously and move to safer locations rather than waiting for water levels to rise further.
Emergency services are also expected to continue monitoring affected roads and residential areas where accumulated water has disrupted traffic and entered homes.
With the monsoon system continuing to produce heavy rainfall in several parts of the country, authorities have stressed the importance of remaining alert, particularly in low-lying areas and locations close to rivers, streams and drainage channels.
For now, the situation around Nullah Lai remains under close observation, with rescue teams on high alert and evacuation instructions issued for vulnerable populations. The authorities are monitoring the water level at Katarian and other points to prevent a major urban flooding emergency.
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