Schools Closed in Rawalpindi After Heavy Rain Hits Twin Cities
Heavy rainfall affected Rawalpindi and Islamabad on Tuesday morning, causing water accumulation in several low-lying areas and raising concerns over the water level in Leh Nullah.
The situation prompted the Rawalpindi district administration to announce a public holiday for educational institutions as authorities responded to the weather conditions.
Water Level Rises in Leh Nullah
According to data from the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD), the water level in Leh Nullah reached around 29 feet at Kattarian and 23.5 feet at Gawalmandi.
Authorities began precautionary evacuation measures in areas around Kattarian and Gawalmandi after approximately 200mm of rainfall was recorded in the catchment areas of Leh Nullah.
The latest rainfall figures available by around 8:20am showed significant precipitation at several locations:
- Saidpur: 104mm
- Golra: 157mm
- Bokra: 72mm
- PMD site near H-8/2: 155mm
- Kutchery: 74mm
- Shamsabad: 201mm
- Pir Wadhai: 86mm
- New Kattarian: 186mm
The heavy rain caused water to accumulate on roads and affected normal movement in several parts of the twin cities.
Rawalpindi Schools Closed
The Rawalpindi district administration announced a public holiday for educational institutions due to the weather situation.
The Deputy Commissioner also advised residents to avoid unnecessary travel and take precautions while moving through areas affected by rainwater.
Water Accumulation Reported in Islamabad
Islamabad also received substantial rainfall, with the E-11 sector among the areas experiencing significant water accumulation.
The Islamabad administration reported that around 150mm of rain caused drainage systems to overflow in parts of the capital. Some basements that had previously been sealed by the district administration were also affected by rainwater.
De-watering operations were launched to clear accumulated water from affected locations.
Rescue teams were also responding to a wall collapse reported in the D-12 area. Officials said no loss of life had been reported in connection with the incident.
Traffic Advisory Issued
Islamabad Traffic Police issued an advisory for motorists as rainwater affected traffic movement on several roads.
Drivers were advised to:
- Avoid unnecessary travel where possible.
- Reduce speed on wet and waterlogged roads.
- Maintain a safe distance from other vehicles.
- Allow additional time for their journeys.
- Stay within designated lanes.
- Use fog lights when visibility is poor.
- Follow instructions from traffic personnel.
Motorists were also advised to check road conditions before leaving home, as accumulated water could slow traffic on several routes.
More Rain Expected
The twin cities had also received heavy rainfall on Monday, with the downpour continuing for around two hours with short intervals.
The Pakistan Meteorological Department had earlier forecast additional rainfall in upper parts of the country through September 5. The weather office warned that heavy rain could contribute to urban flooding in low-lying areas of Islamabad and Rawalpindi, as well as parts of Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Residents in vulnerable areas are advised to remain alert, follow official weather updates and contact local authorities if emergency assistance is required.
