RAWALPINDI/ISLAMABAD – Torrential rain has triggered a flood alert in the twin cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad.
Reports said the Rawalpindi administration has sought assistance from the Pakistan Army as water levels in Nullah Lai rose to dangerous levels. Evacuation of residents has begun in vulnerable areas of Gawalmandi and Katarian.
The spell of heavy rain began around 1am and continued into the morning, causing the water level in Nullah Lai to rise steadily. Authorities sounded flood warning sirens in Rawalpindi and Islamabad as the situation deteriorated.
At Katarian, the water level in Nullah Lai reached 22 feet, while it rose to 17.5 feet at Gawalmandi. Officials said the level at Katarian increased from 21.5 to 22 feet within just half an hour, while water at Gawalmandi climbed from 15 to 17.5 feet during the same period.
Rainfall Situation
According to rainfall figures, Golra in Islamabad recorded the highest rainfall at 113 millimetres. Saidpur Village received 71mm, PMD H-8 recorded 57mm, and Bokra-I12 received 45mm.
In Rawalpindi, 59mm of rain was recorded at New Katarian, 51mm at Pirwadhai, 45mm each at Shamsabad and Gawalmandi, and 33mm near Kacheri-Chaklala. The average rainfall recorded across the twin cities was 75.44mm.
راولپنڈی گوالمنڈی نالہ لئی کے مقام پر پانی کی سطح بلند سائرن بج گئے …. pic.twitter.com/eGh8w91SI6
— FAHD BASHIR (@FAHDBASHIR1) August 12, 2026
Following the sharp rise in Nullah Lai’s water level, an alert was issued for low-lying areas. Authorities continued efforts to move residents of Gawalmandi and Katarian to safer locations.
The administration urged citizens to take precautionary measures and avoid unnecessary movement around Nullah Lai and its surrounding areas as the risk of flooding remained a concern.
