Warns heavy rain could trigger flash flooding in low-lying areas, particularly along Nullah Leh and local nullahs
RAWALPINDI:
The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) on Wednesday warned of further rain and thunderstorms in Islamabad and Rawalpindi over the next two to four hours, cautioning that heavy rainfall could cause water accumulation in low-lying areas and raise water levels in local nullahs, particularly Nullah Leh.
In an alert posted on X this morning, the PMD said the active weather system over Islamabad and Gujar Khan was expected to bring more rain accompanied by thunderstorms to Rawalpindi, Islamabad, Taxila, Wah Cantt, Attock, Jhelum, Murree, Kallar Syedan and Gujar Khan.
It warned that heavy downpours during the spell could lead to flash flooding in low-lying areas, particularly along local nullahs, where rapidly rising water levels posed a risk to nearby communities.
The warning came as heavy rain had already lashed Rawalpindi and Islamabad overnight, with several parts of the twin cities recording rainfall of between 94 and 122 millimetres.
🌧️ Rain with thunderstorms expected over Islamabad, Rawalpindi and adjoining areas during the next 2–4 hours.
⚠️ Heavy rainfall may cause water accumulation in low-lying areas and rising water levels in local nullahs, particularly Nullah Lai.#PMD #WeatherAlert #Islamabad pic.twitter.com/5CU8f3ee7e— Pak Met Department محکمہ موسمیات (@pmdgov) August 19, 2026
The Water and Sanitation Agency (WASA) Rawalpindi had placed its operations on high alert and declared a rain emergency, deploying staff and heavy machinery to vulnerable areas including Liaquat Bagh, Committee Chowk underpass, Murree Road, Dhoke Khabba, Circular Road and Sadiqabad.
Authorities had urged residents to avoid unnecessary travel, stay away from electricity poles and nullahs and contact the WASA helpline in case of an emergency.
An alert remains in place along Nullah Lai in Rawalpindi, while water levels at Kattarian and Gawalmandi continue to decline, Rawalpindi Rescue 1122 said.
According to the Rescue 1122, the water level at Kattarian stands at 12 feet, while the level at Gawalmandi is recorded at 16.5 feet.
Kacheri records the highest rainfall at 145 millimetres, followed by Shamsabad with 126 millimetres and Pirodhai with 122 millimetres, it added. No further rainfall is recorded during the latest spell, the rescue service says.
Rescue 1122 urges people to immediately call 1122 in case of an emergency.
Read: Rain submerges low-lying areas
The warning came as torrential rain had caused widespread urban flooding across Rawalpindi and Islamabad on Monday, inundating low-lying neighbourhoods, flooding roads and forcing water into homes.
On Monday, the National Weather Forecasting Centre recorded 107mm of rain in Pirwadhai, 80mm in Gawalmandi, 76mm in New Kattarian, 64mm in Katcheri near Chaklala and 48mm in Shamsabad by 1:50pm. In Islamabad, Golra near 11-E received 146mm, Bokra 138mm, PMD headquarters in H-8/2 48mm and Saidpur Village 17mm.
The heavy rain had also sent water levels in Nullah Lai and adjoining drains sharply upwards, with the Flood Control Room reporting levels of around 20 feet at one point. Danger sirens were sounded and residents in vulnerable areas were advised to move to safer locations.
Several neighbourhoods around Chaklala Cantonment, including Dhok Kala Khan, Mumtaz Town, Banaras Colony and Afzal Town, were particularly badly affected, with overflowing drains and rainwater inundating streets and residential properties. WASA had declared a rain emergency and deployed teams and heavy machinery to deal with the flooding.
The latest PMD alert indicated that the threat had not yet passed, with the department forecasting further rain and thunderstorms in Rawalpindi, Islamabad and adjoining areas.
