Key points
- Authorities sounded sirens to warn residents about flooding caused by heavy rain
- Water level in Nullah Leh measured at about 21 feet
- Local administration also declared a one-day holiday in Rawalpindi District amid heavy rain
ISLAMABAD: Authorities in Pakistan’s Rawalpindi, on Thursday, began evacuating people from low-lying areas that were flooded due to heavy rain, which had been pouring over the twin cities for more than 15 hours.
نالہ لئی کے اطراف میں انخلا کی وارننگ جاری pic.twitter.com/wmPupJ0X8Z
— Pak Met Department محکمہ موسمیات (@pmdgov) July 17, 2025
Pakistan state-run news agency, APP, reported that the district administration sounded sirens to warn residents about the flooding caused by heavy rain.
Water level
The water level in Nullah Leh was rising and measured at about 21 feet at Katarian and 20 feet at Gawalmandi.
🚨 Flood Alert: Lai Nullah, Rawalpindi
Rescue 1122 has sounded sirens in nearby areas following PMD’s flood warning. Residents are urged to follow evacuation guidelines, move to safer locations & stay updated. #LaiNullah #FloodAlert #Rescue1122 #PMD #Rawalpindi #EmergencyWarning pic.twitter.com/LTPTEjegbK— Pak Met Department محکمہ موسمیات (@pmdgov) July 17, 2025
APP cited a spokesman for WASA Rawalpindi as saying that over 230 mm of rain had fallen in the twin cities.
The deputy commissioner also declared a one-day holiday in Rawalpindi district and asked people to stay at home unless absolutely necessary due to current weather.
موسمیاتی حالات کے پیش نظر، ضلع راولپنڈی میں ایک یوم کی چھٹی
ڈپٹی کمشنر راولپنڈی نے چھٹی کا نوٹیفیکیشن جاری کر دیا
عوام الناس سے اپیل ہے کہ وہ گھروں میں رہیں اور غیر ضروری گھروں سے نا نکلے۔ ڈپٹی کمشنر راولپنڈی@CS_Punjab @CommissionerRwp @MaryamNSharif
— DC Rawalpindi (@DCRawalpindi) July 17, 2025
He urged citizens to cooperate with the teams from the Water and Sanitation Agency (WASA), Rawalpindi Waste Management Company, and the administration, and warned them to avoid going near water in low-lying areas.
Traffic disruptions
Rainwater had collected at many spots on Murree Road, especially at Committee Chowk underpass, Murree Chowk, Banni Chowk, Jamia Masjid Road, Iqbal Road, and other city roads, causing traffic disruptions.
Suzuki car swept away in a stream in Rawalpindi, Pakistan. Access of monsoon rain caused this.
#Rawalpindi #Rain #Monsoon pic.twitter.com/elqHcN1dqZ
— Info Fusion (@Info_Fusion_) July 17, 2025
A WASA spokesman said their staff, along with heavy machinery, was working hard to drain water from roads and low-lying areas.
All resources were being used for drainage, with operations personally supervised by WASA Managing Director Saleem Ashraf.
🚨Rawalpindi citizens are requested to avoid all unnecessary travel due to torrential rainfall and severe #flooding in #Rawalpindi and surrounding areas!
⚠️Flood waters have reached dangerous levels!#Pakistan #PakistanArmy #ISPR pic.twitter.com/3D0kbZjVAr
— Pakistan Armed Forces News 🇵🇰 (@PakistanFauj) July 17, 2025
