Heavy monsoon rainfall has pushed water levels higher in Rawalpindi’s Nullah Leh, prompting the Pakistan Meteorological Department to issue a flood alert after three consecutive days of rain across Rawalpindi and Islamabad.
Authorities sounded flood-warning sirens as water in the natural drainage channel rose rapidly. The level at Kattarian crossed 22 feet at one stage, while the water near Gawalmandi Bridge reached around 16 feet, according to the reported readings.
Conditions later improved as rainfall eased across parts of the twin cities. The flood control room reported that the water level at Kattarian subsequently dropped to 17 feet, while Gawalmandi recorded a level of 17 feet. Intermittent rainfall, however, continued in parts of Rawalpindi and Islamabad.
The heavy downpour has already affected residential and commercial areas across Rawalpindi. Floodwater entered homes in Dhoke Khaba, Pirwadhai and Amarpura, while accumulated water along Murree Road and surrounding areas disrupted traffic.
Rainfall totals illustrate the intensity of the latest spell. Rawalpindi recorded 67 millimetres at Pirwadhai, 59mm at New Kattarian, 55mm at Shamsabad and 47mm at Katcheri.
Islamabad received even heavier rainfall in some locations, with 90mm recorded at Saidpur, 81mm at Golra, 78mm at Zero Point and 70mm at Bokra.
According to the PMD, monsoon currents are penetrating Pakistan’s upper regions while a westerly wave is also influencing weather conditions. More rain, wind and thunderstorms were forecast for several upper and central areas through August 21.
The situation around Nullah Leh remains particularly important because sudden increases in its water level can threaten densely populated neighbourhoods along the channel. Residents in vulnerable areas should therefore continue following official warnings even as water levels fluctuate.
The latest spell also highlights Rawalpindi’s recurring vulnerability to urban flooding. Heavy rainfall can quickly overwhelm drainage infrastructure, inundating roads and homes while disrupting transport and commercial activity.
Although water levels declined after reaching their peak, the possibility of further rainfall means the immediate flood risk has not completely passed.
Authorities will continue monitoring Nullah Leh and surrounding low-lying areas as the monsoon system develops. Residents should rely on official alerts for evacuation or emergency instructions rather than unverified social-media warnings.
