RAWALPINDI (The COW News Digital) Life came to a standstill in the twin cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad following heavy downpours that inundated several low-lying localities, prompting authorities to declare a public holiday in Rawalpindi and place military forces on standby.
The district administration issued evacuation orders for residents dwelling along the banks of Nullah Lai as surging torrents pushed water levels near critical thresholds earlier in the day. Emergency flood warning sirens were triggered across vulnerable neighborhoods after massive water inflows surged from Islamabad’s catchment areas toward Rawalpindi.
According to rainfall metrics, New Kattarian recorded 120 mm of rain, Golra received 119 mm, and Shamsabad registered 104 mm—marking a sharp surge from earlier daily accumulations of 101 mm, 90 mm, and 75 mm respectively.
At the height of the deluge, water levels in Nullah Lai surged past pre-alert marks to reach 18.5 feet at Kattarian, while levels at Gawalmandi climbed rapidly from 7 feet to 11 feet. However, emergency management officials reported a gradual receding of the water later in the day. Readings dropped from a peak height of 29 feet down to 9 feet at Kattarian, while levels at Gawalmandi eased from 23.5 feet to 13.5 feet, accelerating water clearance from inundated streets.
Downstream, a massive flood relay from Nullah Lai emptied into the Soan River, triggering high-level flood conditions. Inundation disrupted routine traffic across major arteries, impacting access along GT Road, Adiala Road, Chuntra, Chakri, Chak Beli, and neighboring residential sectors.
Authorities maintain a rain alert across the catchment zone as meteorological forecasters warn of potential further downpours that could rapidly trigger flash floods. Disaster management bodies and municipal agencies remain on high alert, with security forces stationed on standby to assist in potential rescue operations and safeguard low-lying populations.
