RAWALPINDI/ISLAMABAD: Rawalpindi and Islamabad have been battered by torrential monsoon rains for several consecutive days, with the latest spell pushing the water level in Nala Lai above 22 feet at Katarian, prompting authorities to sound warning sirens and advise residents living along the drain to remain vigilant.
راولپنڈی۔۔۔ شالے ویلی pic.twitter.com/Z3okPa1KGo
— Ghazanfar Abbas (@ghazanfarabbass) August 19, 2026
The persistent downpour has inundated low-lying areas of the twin cities and placed additional pressure on drainage systems.
WASA teams, backed by heavy machinery, have been deployed at Nala Lai and other vulnerable locations to monitor water levels and carry out dewatering operations.
The latest rainfall data showed Saidpur receiving the highest rainfall at 66 millimetres, while intermittent rain continued in other parts of the twin cities.
پنڈی میں طوفانی بارشوں نے تباہی مچا دی، یہ ویڈیو جان کالونی ٹینچ بھاٹہ کی ہے جہاں برساتی ریلہ گلی سے گزر رہا ہے، گھر سارے ڈوبے پڑے ہیں۔۔!! pic.twitter.com/uPRpMn6N3p
— Khurram Iqbal (@khurram143) August 19, 2026
Authorities have remained on alert following repeated heavy spells that have caused urban flooding and water accumulation at several locations over the past few days.
Traffic advisory issued as rain continues
With heavy rain continuing in Islamabad, the Islamabad Traffic Police issued a special advisory urging motorists and motorcyclists to exercise caution on wet roads.
اسلام آباد میں شدید بارش کے بعد ایف الیون کے مناظر pic.twitter.com/3gMpXKiZWd
— Hussain Ahmed Ch (@HussainAhmedCh8) August 19, 2026
Citizens have been advised to reduce vehicle speed, maintain a safe distance from vehicles ahead and remain within their designated lanes.
Drivers have also been asked to use fog lights during rain and ensure that side mirrors, indicators and seat belts are properly used.
Motorcyclists have been directed to ride in the extreme left lane and wear helmets.
Traffic police personnel have been deployed on major roads to facilitate motorists and raise awareness about safe driving during the adverse weather.
Meanwhile, intermittent rain in Narowal has caused water to accumulate in low-lying areas, while rainfall was also reported in Mandi Bahauddin.
The Pakistan Meteorological Department has forecast further rain in the upper and central parts of the country until Friday, with showers expected in Islamabad, upper Punjab, Balochistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan and Kashmir.
Low-level flooding persists in Indus
According to the Flood Forecasting Division Lahore, low-level flooding is currently being reported in the Indus River at Kalabagh, Chashma, Taunsa and Guddu Barrage, while the situation in the country’s other major rivers remains normal.
Authorities have urged residents living near Nala Lai, rivers and other waterways to remain alert, avoid unnecessary movement during heavy rainfall and follow instructions issued by the administration and emergency services as the wet spell continues.
