Heavy rains submerge vehicles, disrupt life in Rawalpindi and Islamabad

Continued torrential rains have caused widespread disruption in Rawalpindi and Islamabad, with reports indicating that severe urban flooding has submerged vehicles in several areas. The exceptionally heavy downpours have inundated roads and created difficulties for commuters, further exacerbating the situation in the twin cities where a rain emergency is already in effect.

The Pakistan Meteorological Department on Wednesday forecast more heavy monsoon rains for Islamabad and Rawalpindi over the next two days, warning of further urban flooding and potential landslides.

As heavy downpours continued to cause flooding in low-lying areas, including Raja Bazaar in Rawalpindi, there were also reports of a large crocodile being sighted in the overflowing Leh Nullah.

Authorities remain on high alert as the rain emergency continues in the twin cities.

An intense spell of 150mm of overnight rainfall has exacerbated the flood situation in Rawalpindi, where an emergency remains in effect. The fresh downpour led to further flooding from Leh Nullah, causing significant business losses, particularly in the Gwalmandi area. Authorities continue to monitor the situation as the monsoon spell persists.

Heavy monsoon rains on Wednesday caused Leh Nullah to overflow its banks in Rawalpindi, with floodwaters entering homes in low-lying areas. Authorities have issued a red alert for the nullah as the downpour continues to submerge parts of the city.

A couple was killed and their two daughters were injured after the roof of their house collapsed in Shahzad Town on Tuesday, as a third day of heavy monsoon rains continued to cause widespread disruption in Rawalpindi and Islamabad.

The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) on Wednesday issued a flood alert for Leh Nullah, with water levels exceeding dangerous thresholds at Kattarian and Gawalmandi. At one point on Wednesday morning, the water level at Kattarian reached 21 feet.

Authorities have been urged to evacuate people from low-lying areas. In one incident, Rescue 1122 safely evacuated 150 children from a madressah in the Saddar area after it became inundated with water. No casualties were reported in that incident.

The Met Office recorded significant rainfall across the region, with 122mm at Shamsabad and 121mm at Kutcheri Chowk. The forecast warns of more rain and a risk of landslides until August 24.

Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has directed relevant authorities to ensure immediate drainage of water following heavy rains in Rawalpindi.

According to reports, rainwater has also entered Metro buses due to the continuous downpour, exposing their poor condition and the difficulties faced by commuters.

Heavy monsoon rains have continued for a third consecutive day in Rawalpindi and Islamabad, sustaining the flood emergency across the twin cities as of August 19.

Authorities remain on high alert as urban flooding persists in low-lying areas, with Nullah Lai's water level remaining dangerously high.

The water level in Nullah Lai has risen to a reported 20 feet at the Gawalmandi bridge, an increase from the 16 feet recorded earlier. The torrential rain has caused severe urban flooding in several additional areas, including Raja Bazaar, Chaklala, the Rawalpindi Cantonment, and Tench Bhatta. Reports from Raja Bazaar indicate that motorcycles have been washed away by the force of the floodwaters.

A rain emergency has been imposed in Rawalpindi after torrential monsoon rains on August 19 caused severe flooding. Floodwater has entered several residential areas, with reports showing cars submerged in the deluge. The situation in the twin cities remains critical as the heavy rainfall continues.

The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has issued a high alert for Rawalpindi and Islamabad as heavy monsoon rains continue to affect the twin cities. The persistent downpour has exacerbated the risk of urban flooding and caused water levels in Nullah Lai to remain at a critical point.

Updated rainfall figures have been recorded across Rawalpindi, with 63mm in Pirwadhai, 52mm in Golra, 50mm in Shamsabad, and 47mm in Chaklala. The water level in Nullah Lai at the Gawalmandi bridge was reported at 16 feet, a decrease from the earlier level of 18 feet, though the level at Katarian remained over 22 feet.

Separately, the Flood Forecasting Division in Lahore has reported low-level floods in the Indus River at the Kalabagh, Chashma, Taunsa, and Guddu barrages. The division stated that the situation in other rivers across the country remains normal.