Rawalpindi Battered by Torrential Rain: Schools Closed as Nullah Lai Reaches Dangerous Levels

200mm Rainfall in Catchment Areas Triggers Urban Flooding; Emergency Teams Deployed as Authorities Urge Public to Avoid Dangerous Areas

Staff Report 

RAWALPINDI: Torrential monsoon rain battered Rawalpindi on Tuesday, triggering widespread urban flooding, disrupting traffic and pushing the water level in Nullah Lai to dangerous levels, as the district administration launched emergency measures across vulnerable areas.

Around 200mm of rain was recorded in the Nullah Lai catchment, while water levels reached 29 feet at Kattarian and 23.5 feet at Gawalmandi, prompting evacuation measures in low-lying communities.

The severity of the rainfall forced the Rawalpindi district administration to declare a local public holiday for educational institutions within Rawalpindi city on Tuesday as a precautionary measure. The administration urged citizens to avoid unnecessary travel and stay away from Nullah Lai, drains, low-lying areas and other dangerous locations.

DC Leads Emergency Response

Deputy Commissioner Rawalpindi Captain (Retd.) Nadeem Nasir personally inspected Nullah Lai and other vulnerable areas, reviewing the situation and directing relevant departments to remain fully mobilised. WASA, Rescue 1122, Civil Defence, Rawalpindi Waste Management Company and the Municipal Corporation were placed on high alert, with heavy machinery, dewatering equipment and emergency personnel deployed in the field.

WASA teams were deployed at critical locations including Liaquat Bagh, Committee Chowk Underpass, Murree Road, Dhoke Khabba, Circular Road and Sadiqabad, while Nullah Lai and other drainage channels were kept under continuous monitoring. Rescue and relief teams also moved into vulnerable localities to assist stranded residents and facilitate evacuations.

Rescue 1122 reported that 60 people had been safely evacuated from rain-affected areas, while emergency teams continued operations in locations where residents were stranded inside their homes.

Several Areas Submerged

The intense downpour caused flooding and severe waterlogging across several parts of Rawalpindi. Arya Mohalla, Javed Colony, Shamsabad, Sadiqabad, Awan Colony, Jamia Masjid Road, Habib Colony, Dhoke Farman Ali, Gawalmandi and other low-lying localities were among the areas affected by accumulated rainwater and overflowing drainage channels.

In some neighbourhoods, water entered homes and streets, forcing residents to move household belongings to safer locations. Roads and major thoroughfares were also inundated, creating serious difficulties for motorists and pedestrians.

Traders Face Heavy Losses at Double Road Food Street

The heavy rainfall also caused significant disruption to commercial activity. At the Food Street on Double Road, large quantities of rainwater accumulated, with water reportedly entering restaurants and commercial premises.

Local traders said furniture, electronic equipment and other valuable items were damaged after water entered their businesses, resulting in substantial financial losses. Traders also complained that effective drainage arrangements were lacking near the Food Street gate and alleged that timely assistance from WASA had not been provided.

They further pointed to excavation work on the Double Road drainage line and said adequate arrangements had not been made to remove the blockage and ensure the rapid disposal of accumulated rainwater.

Rainwater Floods Tehsil Office

The Rawalpindi Tehsil Office was also affected by rainwater accumulation, creating difficulties for citizens visiting the government facility. Visitors complained that the premises face waterlogging during heavy rainfall on a recurring basis and called for a permanent solution to the drainage problem.

Emergency Teams Remain in the Field

The district administration and relevant civic agencies continued dewatering, drainage clearance, rescue and relief operations across affected parts of the city. Authorities remained particularly focused on areas along Nullah Lai, where rising water levels posed an increased risk to nearby communities.

Citizens living in vulnerable and low-lying areas were urged to remain alert and follow evacuation or safety instructions issued by the administration. People have also been strongly advised to avoid Nullah Lai, rivers, drains, underpasses, flooded roads and other waterlogged or dangerous locations, and to avoid unnecessary travel until conditions improve.

The administration said emergency and essential services would remain operational despite the closure of educational institutions, with field teams continuing to monitor the situation and respond to emergencies.