RAWALPINDI – A heavy spell of rain lashed Rawalpindi and Islamabad on Sunday evening, dropping temperatures and refreshing the twin cities after weeks of scorching heat. The downpour, which began at 5:50 pm and lasted for an hour, brought the mercury down to a pleasant 25°C, according to the Pakistan Meteorological Department.
Residents welcomed the brief but powerful rain, which turned the weather pleasant and broke the humidity. Rainfall measured 12mm at Chaklala, 7mm at Pirwadhai, 4mm at Saidpur, and 9mm at Bokra.
However, the sudden showers caused water accumulation in low-lying areas and left slushy roads behind in many parts of Rawalpindi. Puddles formed on main thoroughfares, and traffic flow slowed in areas like Murree Road and Committee Chowk.
District administration, Wasa, Civil Defence, and Rescue 1122 stayed on high alert to handle any emergencies. “We have already imposed rain emergency from July to September,” said Wasa Managing Director Saleem Ashraf, adding that teams are on duty until July 17 due to more expected rainfall.
Water Levels Rise in Rawal and Khanpur Dams
The good news is that the monsoon showers are helping to replenish key water reservoirs. Saleem Ashraf confirmed that the water level in Rawal Dam has risen by 6.2 feet since June 25, while Khanpur Dam has seen a one-foot increase.
Currently, Rawal Dam holds water at a level of 1,744 feet, with its maximum storage capacity at 1,952 feet. “Last year, the dam filled twice during monsoon, and once it fills, it usually sustains supply till winter,” he noted.
Khanpur Dam, which is crucial for both cities, has water at 1,921 feet—against its full capacity of 1,982 feet. As of now, it can meet the twin cities’ water demand for 63 days, officials confirmed.
Rawalpindi gets its water mainly from Rawal and Khanpur dams, while Islamabad relies on Simly and Khanpur. The shortfall is met through over 500 tubewells in Rawalpindi city and 200 in the cantonment zones.
However, the threat of water shortage looms if rains do not continue. A Chaklala Cantonment Board official warned: “If rain stops in the Khanpur and Simly dam catchment areas, Islamabad and cantonment regions will face shortages in the coming weeks.”
Met Office Warns of More Rains, Flash Flood Risk
According to the Met Office, more monsoon rains are on the way. Monsoon currents are entering Pakistan from the Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal, and a strong westerly wave is expected to hit the upper and central regions of the country soon.
The department forecasts rain-windstorm/thundershowers at isolated spots across Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), Balochistan, Kashmir, Sindh, Islamabad, and Gilgit-Baltistan. Heavy falls are likely in Islamabad, Rawalpindi, KP, northeast Punjab, the Potohar region, and northeast Balochistan.
But with the rain comes danger. The Met Office warned that flash floods could occur in streams and nullahs in Rawalpindi, Islamabad, Murree, Galliyat, and various parts of KP and Balochistan.
Additionally, landslides or mudslides may hit hilly areas in KP, Kashmir, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Murree, potentially cutting off roads and stranding travelers. Urban flooding is also expected in low-lying areas of Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Gujranwala, Lahore, Sialkot, Sargodha, Faisalabad, Nowshera, and Peshawar.
Public Urged to Stay Cautious as Rain Continues
Officials have urged residents in vulnerable areas to remain alert. Wasa teams are actively draining water from flooded streets, and emergency services remain on standby.
The Meteorological Department has advised travelers to avoid unnecessary movement in hilly areas and remain vigilant due to possible landslides and flooding.
While the rain has brought welcome relief from the heat, the coming days may test the twin cities’ preparedness. With dams filling and flood threats rising, the monsoon season has truly arrived—offering both hope and hazard in equal measure.
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