The Rawalpindi district administration has declared a flood emergency starting from July 15 through August 31, amid increasing monsoon rains and rising water levels in Nullah Leh and surrounding stormwater drains. The decision comes as part of a proactive disaster response plan to protect lives, property, and public infrastructure during the peak rainy season.

With several low-lying urban neighborhoods identified as high-risk flood zones, authorities have moved swiftly to establish emergency camps, activate a 24/7 control room, and place rescue and relief teams on high alert. Military units have also been mobilized to assist civil agencies in evacuation and relief operations.

Relief Camps Established in High-Risk Zones

The administration has set up seven flood relief camps in government schools located in the most vulnerable parts of the city. These temporary shelters have been equipped with essential facilities including bedding, clean drinking water, food supplies, medicines, lighting, and basic hygiene kits.

The camps are located in the following institutions:

  • Islamia Higher Secondary School No. 1

  • Islamia Higher Secondary School No. 4

  • Government Girls School New Katarian

  • Government Girls School Khayaban-e-Sir Syed

  • Government Girls School Dhoke Ratta

  • Government Girls School/College Dhoke Hassu

  • Government Girls College Gawalmandi

Each of these schools has dedicated multiple rooms to house affected families. Once schools reopen after the summer break in mid-August, two or three classrooms in each facility will continue to serve as relief spaces to accommodate any remaining displaced persons.

Centralized Control Room for 24/7 Monitoring

To streamline coordination among departments, a central flood control room has been activated at the District Civil Defence Office in Kachehri. Staffed around the clock, the control room will monitor real-time flood data, coordinate emergency responses, and dispatch rescue teams where needed.

Key agencies collaborating in this central command include Civil Defence, Rescue 1122, the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA), municipal and sanitary departments, local police, and military representatives. The control room will also issue timely warnings and updates to residents in flood-prone areas.

Deputy Commissioner Rawalpindi, Hassan Waqar Cheema, visited the control room to oversee preparations. He emphasized the importance of quick communication and multi-agency synergy to ensure effective flood management.

Military Units Placed on Red Alert

The Pakistan Army’s Triple One Brigade stationed in Rawalpindi has been placed on red alert to assist in flood operations. Army teams have been positioned near Nullah Leh with rescue boats, life jackets, ropes, and other essential equipment.

Military engineers and disaster experts are also conducting inspections along the 22-kilometre stretch of Nullah Leh and its adjoining areas to identify any weak points in the embankments and drainage systems. Their assistance is expected to be critical in case of flash floods or large-scale evacuations.

Early Warning Systems Enhanced

Authorities have upgraded early warning systems in collaboration with the Meteorological Department and other relevant agencies. Loudspeaker alerts through mosques, sirens, and mobile patrols will be used to disseminate real-time flood warnings to residents in at-risk areas.

A network of 15 monitoring check-posts has been established in vulnerable neighborhoods. These posts are staffed with trained civil defence volunteers and local officials who are tasked with monitoring water levels and ensuring immediate response in case of emergencies.

Residents living near Nullah Leh and stormwater drains have been urged to remain vigilant and cooperate with emergency teams. Families in low-lying areas such as Katarian, Dhoke Ratta, Gawalmandi, New Katarian Bridge, and Dhoke Hassu are considered particularly vulnerable and may be relocated to relief camps on short notice if water levels rise.

Strict Measures to Prevent Encroachments and Blockages

The administration has imposed Section 144 to ban the dumping of garbage, construction debris, and commercial waste into drains and sewerage lines. Teams from the Rawalpindi Waste Management Company (RWMC) and municipal bodies have been deployed to clean Nullah Leh and storm drains to ensure unimpeded flow of rainwater.

Regular inspections of all 15 stormwater drains in the district have been ordered, with instructions to clear out silt, garbage, and encroachments that could obstruct water flow. Citizens have been advised to report any illegal structures or blockages that may worsen flooding.

Multi-Agency Collaboration for Effective Response

A coordinated response plan has been implemented involving various government departments:

  • Education Department: Responsible for managing relief camps and ensuring proper shelter arrangements.

  • Health Department: Deploying mobile health units and emergency medical teams to all relief centres.

  • Police and Traffic Police: Maintaining law and order and ensuring smooth evacuation operations.

  • Rescue 1122: Providing boats, divers, medical teams, and emergency rescue operations.

  • Transport Department: Arranging buses and vans to transport families from flood-affected areas to shelters.

  • Revenue Department: Supervising the distribution of food, water, and emergency rations to displaced people.

Daily situation reports will be submitted to the district administration to track progress and challenges, ensuring accountability and rapid decision-making.

Monsoon Forecast Raises Concern

Meteorologists have warned of above-normal rainfall during the current monsoon season, heightening the risk of urban flooding in twin cities Rawalpindi and Islamabad. Authorities have already recorded several incidents of water accumulation in underpasses, low-lying roads, and near major nullahs.

Officials fear that a sustained downpour or cloudburst, similar to the 2001 event that devastated parts of Rawalpindi, could once again overwhelm the city’s outdated drainage infrastructure. In that incident, over 600 millimetres of rain fell in a few hours, causing widespread destruction and loss of life.

In light of that history, the district administration is determined to prevent a repeat of past tragedies through early action, public awareness, and inter-agency coordination.

Public Advisory and Call for Cooperation

The district administration has appealed to the public to cooperate with authorities during this emergency. Residents are advised to:

  • Avoid unnecessary movement during heavy rains

  • Stay away from drains, canals, and flooded roads

  • Keep emergency kits and important documents in waterproof containers

  • Follow evacuation orders promptly

  • Report emergencies via helpline numbers provided at the flood control room

Community leaders and local influencers are also being engaged to help spread flood awareness messages and ensure that timely decisions are supported at the grassroots level.