Heavy Rain Hits Islamabad and Rawalpindi

Heavy rain inundated low-lying parts of Islamabad and Rawalpindi on Tuesday morning, raising the water level in Leh Nullah and prompting evacuations in areas along the waterway.

The Pakistan Meteorological Department recorded 200 millimetres of rain in the Leh Nullah catchment. Water reached 29 feet at Kattarian and 23.5 feet at Gawalmandi. By 8:20 a.m., rainfall totals included 201 millimetres at Shamsabad, 186 millimetres at New Kattarian, 157 millimetres in Golra and 155 millimetres at the PMD site near H-8/2.

The Rawalpindi district administration declared a public holiday for educational institutions and urged people to avoid unnecessary travel. Islamabad Deputy Commissioner Irfan Nawaz Memon said about 150 millimetres of rain in the capital, particularly in E-11, had overwhelmed drains and left water on roads. Some sealed basements also took in rainwater.

Dewatering and rescue operations continued. Rescue teams responded to a wall collapse in D12, but officials reported no loss of life. Islamabad traffic police advised motorists to reduce speed, keep a safe distance and allow extra time. Drivers were also told to use fog lights in poor visibility and remain in their lanes.

Rain had disrupted the twin cities on Monday as well, when a downpour continued for two hours with short breaks. The Met Office had forecast further rain in northern parts of Pakistan through September 5 and warned of possible urban flooding in several low-lying areas.

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Around 150mm of rainfall in the federal capital, particularly E-11, had caused the drains to overflow.