Islamabad, Rawalpindi Flood Alert as Nullah Lai Levels Rise

Heavy monsoon rain triggered flood alarms in Rawalpindi and Islamabad on Wednesday, August 19, 2026, after water levels in Nullah Lai rose sharply and forced authorities to warn communities living near the storm-water channel. Officials said the situation improved later in the day as rainfall eased, but emergency teams remained deployed across vulnerable parts of Rawalpindi.

According to the flood control room, the water level at Katarian fell to 17 feet after earlier climbing past 22 feet, while the level near Gawalmandi was also reported at 17 feet. The rapid rise had prompted danger sirens in nearby areas and created concern among residents in low-lying neighbourhoods already exposed to repeated urban flooding during heavy rain spells.

The earlier surge was particularly alarming because officials had recorded Katarian at more than 22 feet and Gawalmandi around 16 feet when rainfall intensified. The shift from rising water to declining levels brought temporary relief, but authorities said the drainage system and local channels would continue to be watched closely because more rain remains possible in the coming days.

Rescue 1122 teams issued public warnings in communities surrounding Nullah Lai and advised residents to limit unnecessary travel. Rescue officials also urged families to keep children away from drains, overflowing watercourses and electricity poles, stressing that accidents during urban flooding often occur when people approach fast-moving water or exposed electrical infrastructure.

WASA Managing Director Azizullah Khan said teams had been stationed along Nullah Lai and in low-lying localities to manage any emergency response. Heavy machinery was also placed in areas including Sadiqabad, Dhok Khaba, Pirwadhai, Arya Mohalla and Bohar Bazaar, where water accumulation can quickly disrupt traffic, damage property and affect daily life.

The latest spell follows intermittent rain that began on Monday night and continued across the twin cities. Rainfall measurements showed 66 millimetres in Saidpur, 65 millimetres in Bokra and 63 millimetres in Pirwadhai, while Golra, Shamsabad and Chaklala also recorded significant downpours during the same weather system.

Nullah Lai has long been one of Rawalpindi’s most sensitive flood points during the monsoon season. The channel runs through densely populated settlements, and sudden increases in water flow can place pressure on drainage infrastructure, especially when waste blocks natural movement or when rain falls heavily over a short period.

Officials said earlier preventive measures had included machinery deployments at Liaquat Bagh, Committee Chowk Underpass, Murree Road, Dhok Khaba, Circular Road and Sadiqabad. WASA also said garbage from previous rain spells had been removed from the channel to reduce the risk of obstruction and improve the flow of water.

The Pakistan Meteorological Department has forecast rain, wind and thunderstorms in Islamabad and upper Punjab until August 21, with breaks in between. Authorities have warned that intense rainfall may still cause urban flooding in low-lying areas, meaning emergency teams, civic agencies and residents will need to remain alert until the current monsoon system weakens.