200mm rainfall batters Rawalpindi, army deployed as flood risk grows

RAWALPINDI: Torrential rain has caused widespread flooding in low-lying areas of Rawalpindi and Islamabad, with water entering homes in several localities as the water level in Nullah Lai crossed the danger mark.

Authorities have ordered the evacuation of nearby settlements and announced a holiday for educational institutions in Rawalpindi.

According to the Meteorological Department, the downpour began at around 3:20am and continued until 8am, leaving roads and several areas inundated. In many places, rainwater accumulated to knee-deep levels, disrupting movement across the twin cities.

Rawalpindi Deputy Commissioner Captain (retd) Nadeem Nasir said around 200 millimetres of rain had been recorded in the city, describing it as the heaviest rainfall recorded there in the past three years.

He said Nullah Lai had been the worst affected, with tributary drains backing up as the water level in the main watercourse rose, forcing water into surrounding areas.

The deputy commissioner said authorities were hopeful that the situation would begin improving within an hour. He added that once the water level in Nullah Lai receded, drainage from low-lying areas would also begin.

Teams tasked with evacuating residents from vulnerable areas have been dispatched, he said.

According to Nasir, the water level at Kattarian reached 29 feet, its highest point, while the rising level was also affecting the Gawalmandi area. The water level at the Gawalmandi bridge reached 24 feet.

Authorities have instructed residents living around Nullah Lai to vacate their homes as a precautionary measure following the rise above the danger level.

The Pakistan Army, Rescue 1122, Pakistan Emergency Response and other relevant agencies have been deployed to assist the district administration. The 111 Brigade is also in contact with the administration, while army personnel have been stationed in areas surrounding Nullah Lai and Gawalmandi.

Nasir said the administration had so far received two emergency calls and that teams were continuing drainage and relief operations in affected low-lying areas.

“We are prepared to deal with any emergency,” the deputy commissioner said, adding that all relevant institutions were working alongside the district administration.

Meanwhile, the administration announced a holiday for educational institutions in Rawalpindi, particularly in city areas, citing water accumulation on roads and concerns over difficulties faced by children travelling to and from schools.

The deputy commissioner urged residents to exercise caution and cooperate with authorities as emergency and drainage operations continue.