Heavy rain swells Pakistan's rivers, floods drown Islamabad, Rawalpindi

Flooding swept through parts of Pakistan’s capital Islamabad and neighbouring Rawalpindi on Tuesday, September 1, after torrential monsoon rain overwhelmed drainage systems and sent water levels in the Nullah Lai sharply higher.Low-lying neighbourhoods and major roads were inundated, vehicles were stranded and water entered homes and basements as authorities scrambled to contain the flooding. Educational institutions were shut, and a rain emergency was declared in Rawalpindi. Residents inspect their deluged cars amid a flooded street after heavy monsoon rainfall. (Photo: AFP) NULLAH LAI CROSSES DANGER MARKThe most serious flooding was reported around Nullah Lai, a major drainage channel that runs through Rawalpindi and carries rainwater from the surrounding catchment.The Pakistan Meteorological Department said the water level at Kattarian rose to 29 feet, while it reached about 23.5 feet at Gawalmandi. Both levels were above the evacuation threshold, prompting authorities to warn residents in vulnerable areas and begin precautionary evacuations.The flooding spread across several low-lying areas, including Safdarabad, Sadiqabad, Dhoke Khaba, Pirwadhai, Fauji Colony, Javed Colony and Arya Mohalla. Major roads, including parts of Murree Road and Old Airport Road, were also submerged, bringing traffic to a standstill in several places.The rain was exceptionally intense, with Shamsabad recording 201 mm, while New Kattarian received 186 mm and Golra 157 mm, according to PMD data.Islamabad’s E-11 sector also recorded about 150 mm, where an overflowing drain sent water into roads and basements.Heavy monsoon rains caused urban flooding and waterlogging in Islamabad, Pakistan, and neighboring Rawalpindi on September 1.Sustained downpours flooded multiple areas across the twin cities, prompting a rain emergency and orders for evacuation from low-lying zones. pic.twitter.com/dZhGNcGtlw— ofgministries.com (@OFGProphetic) September 1, 2026PAKISTAN RESPONDS TO FLOODINGThe scale of flooding prompted a rapid emergency response from the local authorities.Rawalpindi’s Water and Sanitation Agency (WASA) declared a rain emergency in the Nullah Lai catchment and deployed heavy machinery and dewatering pumps to affected areas.Rescue 1122, Civil Defence and other emergency teams were placed on high alert, while sirens were sounded as the water level in Nullah Lai climbed.Authorities also directed residents living close to the channel to move to safer locations.The flooding highlights Pakistan’s recurring vulnerability to intense monsoon rainfall. A resident inspects his deluged car amid a flooded street after heavy monsoon rainfall. (Photo: AFP) In densely built-up cities such as Rawalpindi, extreme rain can overwhelm drainage networks within hours, turning normally manageable rainfall into rapid urban flooding.With more rain possible, authorities continued monitoring Nullah Lai and other drainage channels as efforts to clear water from inundated areas remained underway.- EndsPublished On: Sep 1, 2026 18:03 IST