The Pakistan Meteorological Department has issued a flood alert for Rawalpindi’s Nullah Lai after three days of continuous rain across the twin cities (Geo News).
The Rawalpindi administration sounded flood-warning sirens as the water level at Kattarian crossed 22 feet and reached 16 feet near Gawalmandi Bridge, up from earlier readings of 19 and 15 feet.
Rain then eased and levels fell rapidly. The flood control room reported Kattarian down to 17 feet from 21, with Gawalmandi also at 17 (Geo News).
Nullah Lai is the drain that runs through the middle of Rawalpindi, and its speed is the danger rather than its depth — it rises and falls within hours, which is why the sirens matter more than the forecast. The 2001 flood on this channel killed dozens and remains the reference point for the city’s warning system.
Rescue 1122 made announcements in areas along the drain urging residents to avoid unnecessary travel, keep children away from storm-water drains and stay clear of electricity poles.
WASA Managing Director Azizullah Khan said teams had been deployed along Nullah Lai and in low-lying areas, with heavy machinery at Sadiqabad, Dhok Khaba, Pirwadhai, Arya Mohalla and Bohar Bazaar. Machinery had already been stationed at Liaquat Bagh, Committee Chowk Underpass, Murree Road, Circular Road and Sadiqabad on the direction of Deputy Commissioner Captain (retd) Nadeem Nasir.
Rainfall totals in Rawalpindi reached 67mm at Pirwadhai, 59mm at New Kattarian, 55mm at Shamsabad and 47mm at Katcheri. Islamabad recorded more: 90mm at Saidpur, 81mm at Golra, 78mm at Zero Point and 70mm at Bokra.
The Met Department has forecast further rain, wind and thundershowers across upper and central Pakistan through August 21, with occasional gaps — meaning the channel may not have peaked for the week.
