RAWALPINDI, PUNJAB: The Water and Sanitation Agency (WASA) declared a Rawalpindi rain emergency on Monday, Aug. 17, 2026, after Nullah Lai reached 20 feet at Katarian following more than 140mm of rainfall.
WASA reported that the spell was the heaviest of the ongoing monsoon season. The channel stood at 17 feet at Gawalmandi Bridge, the agency said.
Agency data showed 145mm at Golra in Islamabad Capital Territory, 134mm at Bokra and 106mm at Pirwadhai. New Katarian recorded 78mm, while Gawalmandi received 79mm.
WASA said rainwater inundated low-lying areas under the Chaklala Cantonment Board. It affected Murree Road, Dhoke Khabba and Jamia Masjid Road in Sadiqabad.
Read: KP Heavy Rain Alert Warns 35 Districts Through August 21
The agency advised residents of Javed Colony, Nadeem Colony and Muslim Colony to move to safer places. It deployed machinery and field teams at vulnerable drainage points.
Local officials said debris and encroachments had narrowed the channel near Ganjmandi Bridge. The report linked the obstruction to flooding downstream in Khayaban-e-Sir Syed and nearby areas. The downpour began around 3 a.m. Pakistan Standard Time and continued for several hours.
The district administration identified 22 feet at Gawalmandi as a potential danger point. WASA continued monitoring Nullah Lai as the Rawalpindi rain emergency remained in force.
