Heavy rainfall disrupts daily life in twin cities

A night of heavy rainfall caused significant disruption in Rawalpindi and Islamabad, with water levels in the Nullah Lai river rising to dangerous levels. The rain, which started around 12:30 am, continued throughout the night, inundating low-lying areas.

By morning, the water level in Nullah Lai at the Katarian Bridge had surged to 16 feet, but it returned to normal after the rain subsided. While in Gawalmandi, it rose to 12.5 feet.

Local authorities declared a rain emergency in Rawalpindi, with teams from the Water and Sanitation Agency (WASA) deployed in flood-prone areas.

Despite the rain subsiding by morning, the situation remained critical, and efforts to mitigate flooding continued.

Read: Pindi's sewerage system revamp on the cards

The heavy rain also swept through surrounding areas, including Murree, Galyat, and Azad Kashmir, providing relief from the ongoing heatwave and humidity.

The Meteorological Department reported substantial rainfall across the region, with 87mm recorded in Islamabad’s Saidpur, 75mm in New Katarian, and 42mm in Gawalmandi.

In Hassan Abdal, a town near Rawalpindi, a Vigo van was swept away by a seasonal stream near Jhari Kass, carrying 10 passengers.

While five people were rescued and moved to safety, four women and one child remain missing. Search and rescue teams are currently scouring the area in a bid to locate the missing individuals.

Further disruptions were reported in Bhimber, where rivers and streams overflowed due to the heavy rainfall.

The Deputy Commissioner of Bhimber has warned that anyone attempting to drive through flooded roads will be arrested.

Additionally, a ban has been imposed on collecting firewood from floodwaters to prevent accidents.

The Meteorological Department has forecast thunderstorms and more rain across northern Pakistan, including Kashmir, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, central Punjab, and Islamabad.

The southern regions are expected to remain hot and humid, with little respite from the high temperatures.

Read more: Pakistan floods death toll nears 280

According to the NDMA, at least 279 people have died and 676 others have been injured as a result of monsoon floods that swept across Pakistan from June 26 to July 25, 2025.