RAWALPINDI: Heavy rain and thunderstorms lashed Rawalpindi and Islamabad early Sunday, causing widespread waterlogging and sending water levels in Nullah Lai sharply higher before they began to recede after the rain stopped.

According to the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD), rainfall began around 1 am and continued until approximately 5am. Islamabad’s Saidpur recorded the highest rainfall at 85mm, followed by 75mm at PMD H-8/2 and Golra. New Katarian and Shamsabad each received 64mm, while Pirwadhai recorded 62mm. The overall average rainfall was 69.88 mm.

The downpour caused flooding in several low-lying areas and affected major roads. Water levels in Nullah Lai reached 19 feet at Katarian and 16.5 feet at Golmandi, prompting authorities to issue an alert at Katarian and maintain a pre-alert at Golmandi.

However, after the rain stopped at around 5 am, water levels began falling. The latest readings showed levels dropping to 6 feet at both Katarian and Golmandi.

Rescue 1122 deployed teams, boats, ambulances, and other emergency equipment at sensitive locations across Rawalpindi. The administration also declared a rain emergency and deployed Water and Sanitation Agency (Wasa) staff and heavy machinery to clear accumulated water.

Authorities continued monitoring Nullah Lai and other waterways as the twin cities remained vulnerable to further monsoon downpours. Residents were advised to avoid drains, low-lying areas, and unnecessary travel during heavy rain.