RAWALPINDI/ISLAMABAD: Rawalpindi and Islamabad were hit by torrential rain early Tuesday, triggering urban flooding in several low-lying areas and prompting authorities to deploy the Pakistan Army to assist in emergency response operations.
The intense rainfall caused water to enter homes in several low-lying neighbourhoods, while roads across parts of the twin cities were inundated. Authorities also announced a holiday for educational institutions as a precautionary measure amid concerns over worsening weather and flooding.
According to the Pakistan Meteorological Department, rainfall began at approximately 3:20 a.m. and continued until around 8 a.m. The heavy downpour overwhelmed drainage systems in several locations, leaving roads and streets submerged and creating pond-like conditions across affected areas.
At some points, accumulated water reached knee level, disrupting traffic and making movement difficult for residents.
200mm Rainfall Recorded
Rawalpindi Deputy Commissioner Captain (retd) Nadeem Nasir said the city had received around 200 millimetres of rainfall, describing it as the heaviest rainfall recorded in Rawalpindi in the past three years.
He said the greatest impact had been observed around Leh Nullah, where water levels rose significantly following the heavy rain.
According to the deputy commissioner, several drains flowing into Leh Nullah were experiencing backflow. As a result, water was flowing out of the drainage system and entering surrounding residential areas.
The rising water level in Leh Nullah also caused water from adjoining drains to enter nearby populated areas.
Water Level Peaks at Kattarian
Nadeem Nasir said the water level at Kattarian had reached its highest point, with the resulting pressure affecting the Gawalmandi area.
Authorities were closely monitoring the situation as a further rise in the water level could increase the risk of flooding in nearby low-lying neighbourhoods.
The deputy commissioner expressed hope that the situation would begin to improve within approximately an hour as the water level in Leh Nullah declined.
He explained that once the water level in the nullah receded, accumulated water in low-lying residential areas would also begin draining away.
Army Called in for Assistance
The administration has deployed the Pakistan Army in areas around Leh Nullah and Gawalmandi to assist with emergency response and evacuation operations.
The deputy commissioner said the Army, Rescue 1122, PIRA and other relevant institutions were present in the affected areas and were prepared to deal with any emergency.
He added that the Triple One Brigade was also in contact with the district administration and was supporting the civil authorities.
“All institutions are assisting the district administration,” he said, emphasizing that preparations were in place to respond to any serious emergency.
Evacuation Teams Deployed
The district administration has dispatched teams to low-lying areas to facilitate the evacuation of residents if required.
Officials are also conducting drainage operations to remove standing water from affected neighbourhoods.
The deputy commissioner said the administration had so far received two emergency calls related to the situation.
Authorities are continuing to monitor Leh Nullah and vulnerable areas across Rawalpindi, particularly locations near the drainage channel and areas that are prone to flooding during heavy rainfall.
Educational Institutions Closed
In view of the severe weather and flooding risk, authorities announced the closure of educational institutions for the day.
The measure was taken as a precaution to protect students, teachers and staff and to reduce unnecessary movement on flooded roads.
The heavy rainfall has also disrupted normal life across parts of the twin cities, with residents facing difficulties commuting as several roads and streets remain waterlogged.
Officials have urged people living in low-lying areas to remain vigilant and cooperate with evacuation and rescue teams. Residents have also been advised to avoid unnecessary travel in areas affected by flooding.
The administration said all relevant departments were working together to manage the situation and ensure that emergency services remain available.
With the water level in Leh Nullah being closely monitored, authorities are hoping that the situation will improve as rainfall subsides and drainage operations continue.
The deployment of the Pakistan Army, rescue services and other government agencies reflects the seriousness of the situation, while evacuation teams remain on standby in vulnerable neighbourhoods.
Authorities have stressed that their immediate priority is to protect lives, evacuate residents where necessary and restore normal drainage and traffic conditions as quickly as possible.
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