ISLAMABAD (PEN) : Torrential monsoon rains lashed the twin cities of Islamabad and Rawalpindi on Wednesday, prompting officials to declare a state of emergency amid widespread urban flooding.
According to the Water and Sanitation Agency (WASA), over 80 millimeters of rainfall have been recorded so far, inundating low-lying areas and disrupting traffic flow. Bokra recorded the highest local rainfall at 66 millimeters.
Major Urban Centers Affected
Heavy downpours flooded key areas including Blue Area, Bhara Kahu, Bari Imam, Zero Point, and Faizabad. Footage from multiple locations showed vehicles and motorcycles stranded in accumulated rainwater, creating severe mobility issues for residents.
WASA Managing Director confirmed that despite the high volume of rainfall, the flow in Nullah Lai remains under control. However, the risk of flash flooding remains, especially with intermittent showers forecast to continue throughout the day.
Broader Regional Weather Outlook
The Pakistan Meteorological Department has predicted varied weather conditions across provinces:
Punjab
Southern districts*: Partly cloudy with a chance of rain
Northern & central cities* (Lahore, Sialkot, Narowal, Sheikhupura, Kasur, Sargodha): Hot and humid conditions expected to persist
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
Rain is likely in multiple districts including Dir, Swat, Chitral, Kohat, Peshawar, Abbottabad, Mansehra, and Waziristan.
Sindh
Most areas will remain hot and humid, though rainfall is forecast in *Tharparkar, Umerkot, and Mirpurkhas*.
Balochistan
Generally dry and hot, but localized rain is possible in *Zhob, Musa Khel, Kohlu, Barkhan, and **Khuzdar*.
Emergency Response in Place
Local authorities in Rawalpindi and Islamabad are actively monitoring the situation and have mobilized emergency teams to respond to waterlogging, particularly in flood-prone zones. Residents are advised to avoid unnecessary travel and stay updated through official weather bulletins.
