Torrential Rain Breaks 16-Year Record in Islamabad and Rawalpindi, Roads Turn Into Waterways
RAWALPINDI: Torrential rain lashed Islamabad and Rawalpindi, breaking a 16-year rainfall record and causing severe urban flooding across several parts of the twin cities.
According to reports, the rain began at around 3:20 a.m. and continued until 8 a.m. The heavy downpour caused floodwater to enter homes, shops and commercial centers. Viral videos from Arya Mohalla showed boats moving through inundated streets.
Several areas, including Safdarabad, Gali Loharan, Fauji Colony, Awan Colony, Union Councils 4 and 5, and Raja Bazaar, were severely flooded. Heavy rainfall also caused a massive traffic jam on the Expressway, with long queues of vehicles reported.
راولپنڈی میں شدید بارش کا اندازہ اس ویڈیو سے لگایا جا سکتا ہے جس میں گلی میں کھڑی کار تیرتی جا رہی ہے. pic.twitter.com/Eu62G3mhf7
— Hussain Ahmed Ch (@HussainAhmedCh8) September 1, 2026
Rainfall of 197mm was recorded in Shamsabad, 184mm in New Katarian, 157mm in Golra, 146mm at the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) station and 86mm in Pirwadhai.
The intense rainfall triggered flooding in Nullah Lai, with the water level reaching 27 feet at Katarian and 21 feet at Gawalmandi. Authorities subsequently issued an immediate evacuation alert for nearby settlements.
Rescue 1122 Rawalpindi teams launched emergency operations in the worst-affected areas and safely shifted 60 people to secure locations.
پنڈی میں کشتیاں چل پڑیں، ویڈیو آریہ محلہ کی ہے۔ اللہ تعالیٰ کرم فرمائے آمین pic.twitter.com/yJj8SgvrCw
— Hussain Ahmed Ch (@HussainAhmedCh8) September 1, 2026
In view of the emergency situation, the Rawalpindi deputy commissioner announced a holiday for all public and private educational institutions in the city.
The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has also forecast further rainfall and possible flooding in streams and nullahs over the next 48 hours across upper and central parts of the country, including Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir.
