Islamabad & Rawalpindi Schools Closed as Record Rain Triggers Flood Alert, Army Deployed

ISLAMABAD/RAWALPINDI: Authorities on Tuesday ordered the closure of all schools and educational institutions in Islamabad and Rawalpindi after torrential rainfall triggered urban flooding and raised water levels to dangerous limits across the twin cities.

According to the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD), heavy rain began around 3:20am and continued until 8:00am, with several areas recording intense downpours. Rawalpindi recorded nearly 200mm of rainfall, the highest in the past three years.

Deputy Commissioner Captain (retd) Nadeem Nasir placed all departments on high alert and directed residents living near

🌧️ اہم اطلاع — عام تعطیل

راولپنڈی شہر میں شدید بارش اور نالہ لئی میں پانی کی سطح میں مسلسل اضافے کے پیشِ نظر، راولپنڈی سٹی کی حدود میں واقع تمام تعلیمی اداروں میں عام تعطیل کا اعلان کیا جاتا ہے۔

عوام سے اپیل ہے کہ غیر ضروری سفر سے گریز کریں۔

ضلعی انتظامیہ راولپنڈی

— Deputy Commissioner Rawalpindi (@DCRawalpindi) September 1, 2026

Nullah Lai to evacuate to safer areas. Sirens were sounded in vulnerable localities as a precautionary measure.

The Water and Sanitation Agency (WASA) declared a rain emergency, deploying teams and heavy machinery in flood-prone areas including Liaquat Bagh, Committee Chowk Underpass, Murree Road, and Sadiqabad.

Rescue 1122 personnel were stationed along Nullah Lai, where water levels surged to alarming heights — reaching 27–29 feet at Kattarian and 21–23.5 feet at Gawalmandi, prompting immediate evacuation efforts.

Authorities also issued warnings as water levels in

Water Level in Nullah Lai is receding gradually. pic.twitter.com/iM3TZGoXk4

— Pak Met Department محکمہ موسمیات (@pmdgov) September 1, 2026

Rawal and Khanpur dams continued to rise, increasing the risk of further flooding.

The Pakistan Army has been called in to assist civil administration in rescue and relief operations, with troops deployed in several affected areas to manage the emergency situation.

Officials said the main pressure remained on Nullah Lai, as drainage channels overflowed, pushing water into surrounding residential areas. Authorities remain on alert as weather conditions continue to be monitored closely.