KEY POINTS
- Low-lying areas in Rawalpindi and Islamabad faced severe flooding
- PM Sharif orders immediate action to address flooding crisis
- Rescue teams saved dozens of residents stranded in waist-deep water
- Weather department warns of continued rainfall and potential landslides in hilly regions
ISLAMABAD: Heavy rainfall caused widespread flooding in Pakistan’s capital, Islamabad, and neighbouring Rawalpindi on Wednesday, inundating roads and homes in several areas.
Low-lying neighbourhoods were particularly affected, with water entering homes in Chak Shahzad, Bhara Kahu, New Chatha Bakhtawar, and the PHA Society in Islamabad.
Due to the intensity of the downpour, water levels in nearby streams and nullahs rose quickly, alarming residents.
Rescue 1122 officials told WE News English that their teams managed to rescue approximately 40 to 45 individuals stranded in waist-deep floodwaters near a mosque on street number 5.
Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif has taken note of the flooding crisis and instructed the district administration and the Capital Development Authority (CDA) to mobilise all necessary efforts to rescue stranded residents and expedite water drainage.
The Prime Minister also urged residents in low-lying areas near the drains to adopt protective measures to safeguard themselves from rising waters. He directed the health department to remain on high alert and implement precautions against waterborne diseases.
To ensure a coordinated response, PM Sharif established a committee tasked with monitoring the flood situation, overseeing relief operations, and safeguarding the well-being of affected communities.
On Wednesday morning, spillways at Rawal Dam were opened as a precautionary measure following a rise in water levels caused by overnight rainfall.
The water level in the dam had increased significantly, prompting authorities to activate the spillways once the level reached 1750.60 feet.
The spillways were opened at 11 am today, with all necessary immediate response and coordination directives issued to relevant institutions and the district administration.
Deputy Commissioner Islamabad Irfan Nawaz Memon, talking to WE News English, emphasised that in case of emergencies, residents should immediately contact the district administration.
He said AC Nellore has been assigned to oversee the process of opening the spillways, which went smoothly. The district administration also urged citizens to stay away from rivers and canals to avoid any risk.
Earlier, the recent heavy rainfall has turned floodwater drains (nullahs) flowing down from the Margalla Hills into a serious threat to residents of several Islamabad localities.
Flood after heavy rain in #Islamabad #rain #heavy #climate pic.twitter.com/cQx8ZSZxWe
— Umair Mahmood (@its_umair96) August 6, 2025
Overflowing rain drains along Chak Shahzad and Park Road have caused severe flooding, submerging entire neighbourhoods and allowing rainwater to enter homes.
The situation has become especially dire in New Chattha Bakhtawar, where streets and houses are now surrounded by standing water.
The Capital Development Authority (CDA) and the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) have launched relief and rescue operations to assist affected families.
Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has forecasted further rainfall over the next 24 hours in upper Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Kashmir. It also warned of possible landslides in mountainous regions due to the continuous downpour.
Rainfall is also expected in areas of Balochistan, including Zhob, Barkhan, Khuzdar, and Musakhel.
On the other hand, Sindh is likely to experience dry and humid weather, although light drizzle may occur in coastal cities.
