Severe Flooding Hits Rawalpindi, Islamabad, Chakwal; PM Calls Emergency Meeting

Chakwal, Rawalpindi, Islamabad, and other regions of Pakistan faced severe flooding and widespread disruption following record-breaking rainfall, with heavy downpours causing devastating damage and loss of life.

Chakwal Hit by Record 427mm Rainfall, Flood Emergency Declared

Chakwal and its suburbs received a staggering 427 millimeters of rain within just 10 hours, resulting in severe flooding. The district administration declared a rain emergency as the downpour caused a breach in a local dam, forcing mass evacuations of residents in nearby areas.

Floodwaters inundated homes, forcing many people to spend the night outdoors. The historic Kattas Raj temples were also affected, with floodwaters entering the site. Areas including Ararr Mughlan, Takiya Murad Shah, Mohra Mast, Khanpur, and Choasaidan Shah experienced significant flooding.

Tragically, a man and his son lost their lives in the Khewal area, while a pregnant woman and her child sustained serious injuries. In Budhyal, walls collapsed and cattle were swept away by the floodwater.

Several rain drains in Bhanao, Kulhayan, Saroli, and other areas overflowed, and a dyke breach at Panwal Dam led to two vehicles and three people being swept away. Rescue teams managed to save two individuals, but one person was still missing as of the last reports.

The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) confirmed ongoing rescue operations involving Rescue 1122, Civil Defence, and district officials. PDMA Director General Irfan Ali Kathia is personally overseeing the efforts. The district administration is also coordinating with the Pakistan Army to assist in rescue and relief.

Heavy Rainfall Disrupts Life in Rawalpindi and Islamabad

Islamabad, Rawalpindi, and several other cities experienced heavy rainfall, causing severe flooding in low-lying areas and disrupting normal life.

In Rawalpindi, the water level at Nala Lai near Kattarian surged to 15.7 feet. Floodwaters entered homes in affected neighborhoods, and multiple roads, including Adiala Road, collapsed. Following the rise in water levels, sirens were sounded to warn residents.

The Lalazar area also faced flooding, with water entering shops and houses. In Bahria Town Phase 8, floodwaters disrupted the main road, while in Mohalla Rajputan, a vehicle was swept away by the flood. Authorities issued evacuation warnings for residents living near Nala Lai.

The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) declared a rain emergency in Rawalpindi and announced a public holiday for the city.

Rainfall measurements recorded by the Meteorological Department in Islamabad include 125 mm in Bokra, 106 mm in Sector I-12, 97 mm in Golra, 61 mm at the airport, 69 mm in Syedpur, and 22 mm at Zero Point.

Rawalpindi recorded its highest rainfall in Chaklala with 185 mm, followed by 175 mm in Gawalmandi, 128 mm in Shamsabad, 102 mm in Kacheri, and 80 mm in Peer Dahi.

In Jhelum, heavy rains caused flooding in low-lying areas, and the bursting of the Dhok Badr drainage channel trapped several people. The Pakistan Army conducted a helicopter rescue operation, saving 10 individuals.

Army Rescue Operations

Rescue efforts by Pakistan Army troops are ongoing in flood-hit regions of Rasul Nagar Khurd, Burhan Nala, and Dhok Badar (Jhelum) following continuous monsoon rains causing severe flooding.

The Pakistan Army arrived in Chakwal to support ongoing rescue efforts. In Dhok Badair village, 10 individuals were successfully rescued by army personnel.

Relief operations by the Army are in full swing as rescue teams are assisting the victims using helicopters. Soldiers are providing life jackets and immediate assistance to the affected people. So far, the rescue teams have safely evacuated numerous individuals.

Local administration and military personnel are closely monitoring the situation and taking preventive measures to avoid further threats. In this time of hardship, the Pakistan Army stands firmly with the flood-affected population.

Additional Incidents and Warnings Across the Region

• Muridke: Two children drowned near Sultan Park; Rescue 1122 recovered their bodies.

• Rawalakot (AJK): Heavy rain caused a chill at higher elevations, power outages, and rising water levels in streams and nullahs.

• Mansehra: River Kunhar experienced low flood levels after intermittent rainfall; warnings issued to travelers to avoid streams, nullahs, and landslide-prone areas. Section 144 imposed to prevent bathing in dangerous waters.

• Lahore: Three people died when the roof of their house collapsed in Akbari Gate. Rescue 1122 worked for 12 hours to recover the bodies.

• Khyber Pakhtunkhwa: Authorities in Chitral, Dir, Swat, and Kohistan placed on high alert amid warnings of further heavy rain and potential glacier bursts. PDMA cautioned citizens against driving through floodwaters.

• Gilgit Baltistan and Azad Kashmir: Flooding reported in streams and nullahs; residents warned of landslides

Faisalabad Tragedy

In Faisalabad’s Allama Iqbal Colony, two brothers—Muhammad bin Khalid and Muhammad Sohaib—were killed when the roof of their house collapsed. Their parents, Khalid and Farhana, along with their 12-year-old sister Shanza, were seriously injured.