Heavy Rainfall Paralyzes Rawalpindi: Streets, Homes, and Businesses Submerged

Torrential rainfall in Rawalpindi has wreaked havoc, turning streets into lakes and flooding homes, severely disrupting daily life. The relentless downpour has led to rising water levels in Nullah Lai, prompting authorities to issue urgent warnings to nearby communities.

The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) reported significant rainfall across Rawalpindi, including 65mm in Saidpur, 51mm in Golra, 110mm in P.Bokra, and 94mm in the Kutchery area. As a result, key areas like Murree Road, Liaquat Bagh, and Mall Road have been transformed into waterlogged zones, with business activities coming to a complete halt.

In low-lying neighborhoods such as Shale Village, Tench Bhatta, and People’s Colony, rainwater has infiltrated homes, submerging them under several feet of water and leaving residents trapped. The situation is particularly dire in Sharon Colony and Kent John Colony along the banks of the Sawan River, where water levels have risen to three feet inside homes, causing extensive damage to valuable household items.

The Water and Sanitation Agency (WASA) Rawalpindi, led by Managing Director Muhammad Saleem Ashraf, has declared a rain emergency. Despite their efforts, including the deployment of heavy machinery and personnel in low-lying areas, the city’s drainage systems have been overwhelmed by the continuous rainfall. Underpasses and key routes throughout the city remain flooded, and the traffic system is paralyzed, with traffic wardens noticeably absent.

WASA Rawalpindi remains on high alert, closely monitoring the situation as the water level in Nullah Lai continues to rise, reaching 10 feet at Katarian and 9.5 feet at Gawalmandi. While the flow of water in Nullah Lai is currently normal, the agency is prepared to handle any emergencies that may arise.

Residents of the most affected areas have begun to evacuate temporarily, seeking safety as the city braces for further rainfall.