Schools Closed in Rawalpindi and Islamabad Amid Heavy Rain Today

Rawalpindi & Islamabad – (Staff Reporter/Web Desk) – Schools closed across Rawalpindi and Islamabad on Tuesday after heavy rain flooded roads and pushed water levels in Nullah Lai past danger marks. The rain started late Monday night and kept falling into the early morning hours.

Officials say this was one of the heaviest downpours the area has seen in years. Many neighborhoods woke up to flooded streets and standing water outside their homes.

The Rawalpindi Deputy Commissioner, Captain (retd) Nadeem Nasir, put local departments on high alert as soon as reports came in. He also asked people living near Nullah Lai to move to safer ground right away.

Rescue teams were sent to the drain without delay. The district administration told all response units to stay ready in case the situation got worse.

🚨🚨 Safdarabad #Rawalpindi right now…
Allah Reham… pic.twitter.com/stcrRNNsU3

— Azaz Syed (@AzazSyed) September 1, 2026

The city’s water agency, Wasa, declared a rain emergency in the areas that feed into Nullah Lai. Crews and heavy machines were sent to spots that flood easily, such as Liaquat Bagh, Committee Chowk underpass, Murree Road, Dhok Khaba, Circular Road, and Sadiqabad.

Wasa’s managing director said staff were keeping a close watch on the drain and on other channels around the city. Warning sirens went off as the water kept rising through the morning.

By the time the water peaked, it had reached about 29 feet at Katarian and 24 feet near the Gowalmandi bridge. Officials warned that more water could still flow in from Islamabad, adding pressure to an already full drain.

Some parts of Rawalpindi saw record rainfall. Shamsabad topped the list with close to 197 millimeters of rain. New Katarian and Golra weren’t far behind, each recording well over 150 millimeters.

Other neighborhoods also logged heavy totals, including H-8, Saidpur Village, Pirwadhai, and areas near Chaklala. Almost every part of the city got soaked.

🚨🚨 Safdarabad #Rawalpindi right now…
Allah Reham… pic.twitter.com/stcrRNNsU3

— Azaz Syed (@AzazSyed) September 1, 2026

Several low-lying colonies took the worst hit. Safdarabad, Sadiqabad, Dhoke Khaba, Pirwadhai, Fauji Colony, Javed Colony, and Arya Mohalla all reported water entering homes and streets.

The Deputy Commissioner went to Nullah Lai himself to check the situation firsthand. He ordered teams to start draining the extra water and called in more Wasa staff to help the hardest-hit spots.

Because of the flooding, both government and private schools stayed shut for the day across the twin cities. Officials said the closures were meant to keep children safe from flooded roads on their way to class.

This isn’t the first time the city has faced this kind of rain this season. Officials noted that Rawalpindi hasn’t seen this much rainfall in about three years.

Speaking about the flooding, the Deputy Commissioner explained that smaller drains were backing up into Nullah Lai, which then pushed water into nearby streets. He said the water at Katarian had hit its highest point, and the pressure was being felt strongly around Gawalmandi.

He added that things should start settling down within the hour, once the water level in the main drain starts to fall. As that happens, flooded neighborhoods should slowly begin to dry out too.

Teams had already been sent to move people out of the riskiest areas. The Pakistan Army, Rescue 1122, and the Pakistan Rangers were all working alongside the local administration to help residents.

The Army’s 111 Brigade also stayed in close contact with district officials, ready to step in if needed. So far, though, officials said only a couple of emergency calls had come through, and some water buildup was expected during rain this heavy.

Wasa asked people to avoid traveling unless it was necessary. Teams will keep monitoring flood-prone areas until conditions return to normal.