Rawalpindi( The COW News Digital)Rawalpindi witnessed torrential rainfall on July 17, 2025, resulting in severe urban flooding and a critical rise in water levels in Nullah Lai and its tributaries. The local administration has declared a flood emergency across the city and urged residents in low-lying areas to evacuate immediately.
According to the Water and Sanitation Agency (WASA), water levels at Gawalmandi Bridge have reached a dangerous 15 feet, prompting the activation of warning sirens. Should the level cross the 20-foot mark, immediate evacuation of nearby communities will begin. Similarly, Kattarian Bridge has recorded a 13-foot water level.
The continuous downpour has caused flash flooding, with water spilling into connected drainage canals. Several low-lying neighborhoods, including Mahr Colony, Dhoke Hassu, Pirwadhai, Khayaban-e-Sir Syed, Fauji Colony, and Dhoke Matkyal, are underwater. Many residents are stranded, and evacuation has become increasingly difficult due to submerged roads and bridges.
Rescue operations are in full swing, with Rescue 1122 deploying over 300 personnel, 12 ambulances, 4 rescue vehicles, 8 fire trucks, 2 water rescue units, and 30 motorcycle responders. So far, 27 emergency incidents have been reported, with 22 rescue operations ongoing. Nineteen individuals have been rescued, and one has been shifted to a hospital.
In one high-profile operation, a family stranded on the roof of a house in Ladian village near Chakri Road was successfully rescued using a helicopter after ground teams were unable to reach them due to rising waters.
With water entering homes in New Chakri and Tench Bhatta’s Jan Colony, residents are pleading for immediate assistance. District authorities have announced a one-day emergency holiday across Rawalpindi, urging citizens to stay indoors and avoid unnecessary movement.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has summoned an emergency meeting in response to the disaster. The PM has requested immediate reports from the Chief Commissioner Rawalpindi and the Managing Director of WASA. The meeting will evaluate the extent of damage, current response efforts, and future preventive measures.
As rain continues in several parts of Punjab, including Lahore, Faisalabad, and Jhelum, Rawalpindi remains on high alert. The administration is calling for full cooperation from residents as relief and rescue efforts intensify.