ISLAMABAD – A new wave of monsoon downpours has raised alarm in the federal capital and Rawalpindi, with authorities cautioning residents about potential flash floods and landslides in vulnerable areas.
The Capital Development Authority (CDA) has issued advisories, warning communities in low-lying zones and the Margalla Hills region to prepare for possible emergencies.
High-Risk Areas Identified
Saidpur village and Sector E-11 have been marked as particularly at risk due to the rising water levels in Swan River and Korang Nallah. Officials have urged people living near storm drains to stay indoors during heavy rain and avoid unnecessary travel.
The hilly terrain of Margalla Hills faces another danger — landslides. Intense rainfall could destabilize slopes, blocking roads and endangering nearby settlements. The CDA has also stressed that residents must avoid dumping waste into drains, which often worsens urban flooding in the city.
Authorities on Standby
Rescue teams and emergency units have been deployed across Islamabad. The CDA, Rescue 1122, Metropolitan Police, and the Municipal Services Directorate have placed machinery, vehicles, and medical units at strategic locations. A CDA spokesperson said the goal is to ensure a rapid response if flooding or landslides occur.
Citizens Asked to Cooperate
Officials say public cooperation is crucial in preventing avoidable disasters. “We urge people to take precautions, stay alert, and avoid blocking drainage systems. Small steps by citizens can significantly reduce risks,” a CDA representative noted.
Wider Weather Forecast
The Pakistan Meteorological Department has forecast intermittent rain in Islamabad throughout the day, with heavier showers expected in several northern districts including Swat, Chitral, Kohistan, and Mansehra.
Thunderstorms are likely across Rawalpindi, Murree, Galiyat, and parts of central Punjab such as Lahore, Gujranwala, and Faisalabad. Southern Punjab districts including Multan and Bahawalpur are also expected to see rain with thunder.
In Sindh, conditions will remain hot and humid, though scattered showers may hit Tharparkar, Hyderabad, Badin, Larkana, and Jacobabad.
Why It Matters
Pakistan’s urban centers, particularly Islamabad and Rawalpindi, remain highly vulnerable during monsoon season due to unplanned construction near storm drains and in hilly zones. Authorities have repeatedly stressed that cooperation from citizens—such as avoiding garbage disposal in nullahs—can help reduce the scale of flooding, yet these warnings often go unheeded.
With heavy rains expected to continue in the coming days, emergency services are bracing for potential crises, while residents are urged to remain vigilant.
