ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Army was called in to assist civil rescue efforts as heavy monsoon rains flooded parts of Pakistan’s twin cities, Islamabad and Rawalpindi, on Tuesday.
Cloudburst-style rain inundated drains, roads, and basements, prompting authorities to close educational institutions as water levels in Rawalpindi’s Nullah Lai reached dangerous levels.
Authorities announced a public holiday in Rawalpindi and deployed dewatering pumps and emergency teams across affected areas, while traffic police warned motorists about waterlogged roads.
The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) forecast further heavy rainfall, capable of causing urban flooding and swelling streams and nullahs in Islamabad and Rawalpindi.
Torrential Rains Flood Rawalpindi as Nullah Lai Rises, Several Areas Submerged
Water enters homes and streets across the city; vehicles stranded in floodwater as authorities impose emergency measures and announce local holiday pic.twitter.com/kcb6BO7ZcD
— Aamir Saeed Abbasi (@AmirSaeedAbbasi) September 1, 2026
The army, police, the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), Rescue 1122, and district administration officials are present at affected locations, assisting with rescue and evacuation operations, according to Rawalpindi’s Director Sewerage and Drainage.
The official, speaking to WE News from the rescue operation site at Gawalmandi, said the situation had improved after rainfall stopped at about 9 am and water levels began receding.
“The situation is not as vulnerable as it was an hour ago,” he said, adding that the entire district administration was monitoring the situation from the field.
🚧 ٹریفک اپڈیٹ | گوالمنڈی پل
گوالمنڈی پل پر ٹریفک ڈائیورژن ہے۔ شہری حضرات غیر ضروری سفر سے گریز کریں, متبادل راستہ اختیار کریں اور وہاں موجود ٹریفک سٹاف کی ہدایات پرعمل کریں۔ pic.twitter.com/L1KmvhpaZY
— City Traffic Police, Rawalpindi (@ctprwp) September 1, 2026
With assistance from the Army and NDMA, the local administration is evacuating residents from the most vulnerable areas around Nullah Lai, he said.
The administration, with the help of the army, is also setting up evacuation camps in Rawalpindi, he added.
The water level at Kattarian crossed 28 feet, significantly above the 20-foot evacuation threshold, and reached about 23.5-24 feet at Gawalmandi.
More than 200 millimetres of rain was recorded in the Nullah Lai catchment, sharply increasing downstream flows.
The rain in Rawalpindi-Islamabad from last night has brought the cities to a dangerous tipping point. @ndmapk @CDAthecapital @IslamabadMci pic.twitter.com/6hha4wyoo5
— SenatorSherryRehman (@sherryrehman) September 1, 2026
Rawalpindi Deputy Commissioner Captain (Retd) Nadeem Nasir placed all relevant departments on high alert and directed residents living near Nullah Lai to move to safer locations.
The Army’s 111 Brigade is in contact with the district administration and can provide additional assistance if required, officials said. Pakistan Rangers and other emergency personnel are also supporting the response.
The Water and Sanitation Agency (WASA), Rescue 1122, Civil Defence, Rawalpindi Waste Management Company and Municipal Corporation Rawalpindi have been mobilised.
READ ALSO: Divisional Administration of Rawalpindi Focusing on Urban Flooding: Commissioner
WASA has deployed personnel and heavy machinery at vulnerable locations including Liaquat Bagh, Committee Chowk Underpass, Murree Road, Dhok Khaba, Circular Road and Sadiqabad. Teams are continuously monitoring Nullah Lai and the city’s drainage network and clearing accumulated rainwater.
Several low-lying parts of Rawalpindi have been inundated, including Safdarabad, Sadiqabad, Dhoke Khaba, Pirwadhai, Fauji Colony, Javed Colony and Arya Mohalla. Rainwater has also affected roads and commercial areas around Raja Bazaar.
Islamabad Today #Islamabad #Rain #Weather #Expressway pic.twitter.com/3EtJwUbTtB
— Sajjad Tarakzai (@SajjadTarakzai) September 1, 2026
The district administration has announced a local holiday on Tuesday for government and private educational institutions in Rawalpindi city as a precautionary measure. Emergency departments and essential services remain operational.
The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) recorded 201 millimetres of rain at Shamsabad, 186mm at New Kattarian, 157mm at Golra and about 152-155mm at its H-8/2 station during the morning observation period.
More rains likely in Rawalpindi
The Met Office has forecast further rain, wind and thundershowers, including isolated heavy falls, in the Potohar region, Islamabad and adjoining areas.
Its overall forecast indicates further rainfall in upper Punjab and upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa through September 5, keeping the risk of renewed urban flooding high.
The PMD’s Flood Forecasting Division has also warned of increased flows in major rivers and associated nullahs following further rainfall.
The NDMA has issued a fresh 48-hour flood alert covering Punjab and other northern areas, specifically identifying the Potohar region, including Rawalpindi, Islamabad, Attock, Chakwal and Jhelum, as vulnerable to flooding.
The authority warned that additional rainfall could raise water levels in rivers, streams and nullahs, and trigger urban and flash flooding in vulnerable locations.
Local administrations have been directed to maintain emergency resources, monitor vulnerable areas and ensure evacuation arrangements are ready.
Although water levels have begun to recede after the morning rainfall eased, authorities remain on high alert because another spell of heavy rain could send a fresh surge through Nullah Lai and worsen flooding downstream.
