Severe flooding impacted parts of Islamabad and its neighbouring city Rawalpindi on Tuesday, September 1, following heavy monsoon rains that overwhelmed existing drainage systems. The torrential downpours resulted in rapidly rising water levels in the Nullah Lai, a prominent drainage channel in the area. Streets and low-lying communities were severely inundated, leaving many vehicles stranded and causing water to enter residential properties and basements.

As the situation deteriorated, local authorities rushed to manage the crisis. Schools were closed as officials declared a rain emergency in Rawalpindi. Many residents were observed surveying the damage to their vehicles in the flooded streets.

Impact Around Nullah Lai

The most significant flooding was reported near the Nullah Lai, which channels rainwater from the surrounding regions through Rawalpindi. According to the Pakistan Meteorological Department, water levels at Kattarian reached 29 feet, while the Gawalmandi area recorded a height of approximately 23.5 feet. Both readings were above the designated evacuation threshold, prompting authorities to issue warnings to residents in perilous zones and commence precautionary evacuations of vulnerable residents.

The floodwaters spread across numerous low-lying localities, including Safdarabad, Sadiqabad, Dhoke Khaba, Pirwadhai, Fauji Colony, Javed Colony, and Arya Mohalla. Major routes, such as segments of Murree Road and Old Airport Road, were submerged, resulting in halted traffic across various locations.

The intensity of the rainfall was remarkable, with Shamsabad recording 201 mm, New Kattarian at 186 mm, and Golra at 157 mm, as reported by the Pakistan Meteorological Department. Additionally, Islamabad’s E-11 sector experienced around 150 mm of rainfall, leading to overflowing drains that discharged water into surrounding roads and basements.

Emergency Response Mobilised

The extent of the flooding prompted a swift emergency response from regional authorities. The Water and Sanitation Agency (WASA) in Rawalpindi declared a rain emergency for the Nullah Lai catchment area, deploying heavy machinery and dewatering pumps to affected locations. Emergency services, including Rescue 1122 and Civil Defence, were placed on heightened alert as sirens rang out due to rising water levels in Nullah Lai.

Authorities also instructed residents living in close proximity to the channel to relocate to safer areas. The situation illustrates Pakistan’s repeated vulnerability to severe monsoonal rainfall, particularly in densely populated urban areas like Rawalpindi, where excessive rainfall can overwhelm drainage systems rapidly, shifting manageable rain into urgent flooding.

As forecasts indicated the possibility of further rain, monitoring of Nullah Lai and other drainage channels remained crucial. Efforts were ongoing to drain water from submerged areas to mitigate the adverse impacts of the flooding.

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