Physical Address
Islamabad, Pakistan
Rawalpindi, September 1, 2026: Rawalpindi is facing a serious urban flooding situation after torrential monsoon rain caused water levels in Nullah Lai to rise sharply, inundating low-lying areas, major roads and residential locations.
The intense rainfall disrupted normal life across Rawalpindi and Islamabad, with vehicles stranded on flooded roads and emergency teams deployed to affected areas. Authorities have declared a rain emergency and placed rescue and relief departments on high alert.
Nullah Lai Water Level Rises to Dangerous Levels
The biggest concern in Rawalpindi remains the rapidly rising water level in Nullah Lai.
According to the latest reports, the water level at Katarian Bridge reached around 27.5 feet, well above the reported 20-foot evacuation threshold. The level at Gawalmandi was recorded at around 21.5 feet. Authorities warned that continued rainfall in the catchment areas could push the water level even higher.
Dawn reported that the water level later reached 29 feet at Kattarian and 23.5 feet at Gawalmandi, with evacuation efforts beginning in vulnerable areas. Around 200mm of rain was recorded in the Leh Nullah catchment areas.
Major Roads and Low-Lying Areas Flooded
Heavy rainfall has turned several roads and low-lying parts of Rawalpindi into flooded zones.
Reports indicate significant water accumulation on areas including:
- Old Airport Road
- Rahimabad Bridge
- Murree Road near Committee Chowk
- Liaquat Bagh
- Committee Chowk Underpass
- Dhok Khaba
- Sadiqabad
- Areas surrounding Nullah Lai
Several feet of water accumulated at some locations, creating severe traffic congestion and leaving motorists stranded.
201mm Rainfall Recorded
The rainfall intensity has been particularly severe in parts of the Rawalpindi-Islamabad region.
According to reports citing the Pakistan Meteorological Department, 201mm of rain was recorded at Shamsabad, while New Katarian received around 186mm. Golra recorded 157mm and the PMD station recorded 146mm.
The heavy rainfall overwhelmed drainage systems in several areas and increased pressure on Nullah Lai and other waterways.
Rescue 1122 Conducts Emergency Evacuations
Rescue teams have been actively responding to calls from flooded areas.
According to the Associated Press of Pakistan, Rescue 1122 evacuated 60 people from submerged areas across Rawalpindi. Among those rescued were passengers stranded at Raheem Abad Bridge, while additional residents were evacuated from Kuri Road and Dhoke Kala Khan.
Rescue authorities have also implemented a Code Red response, reflecting the seriousness of the flooding situation.
WASA and Emergency Departments on High Alert
The Rawalpindi district administration has placed key emergency departments on high alert.
The Water and Sanitation Agency (WASA), Rescue 1122, Civil Defence, Rawalpindi Waste Management Company and Municipal Corporation Rawalpindi have been mobilised to respond to the flooding.
WASA teams and heavy machinery have been deployed at vulnerable locations to remove accumulated water and monitor drains.
Schools Closed Amid Flood Risk
Due to the severe weather and flooding risk, authorities announced a holiday for educational institutions in Rawalpindi on Tuesday.
The decision was taken as a precautionary measure amid rising water levels in Nullah Lai and flooding in several parts of the city.
Pakistan Army Called In for Assistance
The Pakistan Army has also been called in to support rescue and relief operations as the flooding situation worsened.
Army personnel have been deployed to assist civil authorities in affected areas, while emergency departments continue monitoring Nullah Lai and other drains across Rawalpindi.
Authorities Urge Citizens to Avoid Unnecessary Travel
Residents have been advised to avoid unnecessary travel, particularly through low-lying areas, underpasses and roads affected by standing floodwater.
People living near Nullah Lai and other vulnerable waterways have been warned to remain alert and follow evacuation instructions issued by authorities.
Motorists should avoid attempting to cross roads where floodwater is moving rapidly, as water depth and current can be difficult to judge.
Rawalpindi Flood Situation: What Residents Should Do
Residents should take the following precautions during the ongoing rain emergency:
- Avoid unnecessary travel.
- Stay away from Nullah Lai and other drains.
- Do not attempt to drive through deep or fast-moving water.
- Keep mobile phones charged for emergency communication.
- Follow evacuation instructions from district authorities.
- Keep important documents and essential medicines in a safe, waterproof place.
- Monitor official weather and emergency updates.
- Contact emergency services if you or someone nearby becomes trapped.
Final Thoughts
The latest Rawalpindi rain situation has developed into a significant urban flooding emergency, with heavy rainfall raising Nullah Lai to dangerous levels and flooding roads and low-lying communities.
With emergency departments, WASA, Rescue 1122, Civil Defence and other agencies deployed, authorities are working to control the situation and protect residents. However, further rainfall could increase the flood risk, particularly around Nullah Lai and other vulnerable areas.
Residents are therefore advised to remain cautious, avoid unnecessary movement and follow official evacuation and safety instructions until the situation improves.
