Heavy Rain Floods Islamabad, Rawalpindi as Nullah Lai Rises
ISLAMABAD: Heavy monsoon rain inundated low-lying parts of Islamabad and Rawalpindi on Sunday, disrupting electricity supplies, flooding roads and homes and pushing the water level in Nullah Lai sharply higher. Authorities declared a rain emergency in Rawalpindi and deployed machinery and emergency teams as the latest spell of severe weather hit the twin cities.
The water level at Katarian reached 16 feet while the level at the Gawalmandi monitoring point rose to 10 feet during the downpour. Rainwater accumulated at underpasses in Islamabad's G-6 sector and entered homes in several affected neighbourhoods, creating difficulties for residents and commuters during the morning hours.
The rainfall also interrupted electricity supplies in parts of Islamabad and Rawalpindi. Local authorities moved heavy machinery into low-lying areas to accelerate drainage operations, while emergency agencies monitored Nullah Lai and other waterways for any further rise. The administration remained alert because intense rainfall can quickly send water through densely populated neighbourhoods located close to drainage channels.
Additional rainfall data from the twin cities showed particularly heavy showers at several monitoring stations. The Pakistan Meteorological Department recorded substantial rainfall across Islamabad and Rawalpindi during the overnight spell, while authorities continued checking water levels after the rain eased. Emergency teams, ambulances, boats and other rescue equipment were positioned at vulnerable locations as a precaution.
Officials said water levels in Nullah Lai began receding after the heaviest rain stopped, reducing the immediate threat in some areas. Authorities nevertheless continued surveillance because further rain remained in the forecast. Residents were advised to stay away from drains, streams, electricity poles and other dangerous locations, while motorists were urged to avoid unnecessary travel through waterlogged roads.
The impact was not limited to the twin cities. Heavy rain was also reported in Kundian, where water accumulated in low-lying areas. The Meteorological Department forecast additional rainfall across different parts of Pakistan through Sunday and Monday, indicating that unstable monsoon conditions could continue to affect transportation, electricity networks and local drainage systems.
Weather authorities also warned of possible landslides in Murree, Galiyat and other mountainous areas. Travellers and residents in hilly districts were advised to exercise caution, particularly on routes vulnerable to slope failures and flash flooding. Similar heavy rainfall in recent days has repeatedly raised water levels in streams and rivers across northern Pakistan, keeping disaster-management agencies on heightened alert.
The latest flooding again highlights the vulnerability of Islamabad and Rawalpindi to intense monsoon downpours, particularly in neighbourhoods near Nullah Lai and other drainage channels. Authorities are expected to continue monitoring rainfall and water levels while drainage crews remain deployed. Further emergency measures could be introduced if another strong spell of rain causes waterways to rise again.