According to the Pakistan Meteorological Department, the rain began at around 3:20am and continued until 8am. Shamsabad recorded the highest rainfall in Rawalpindi at 197 millimetres, followed by New Katarian with 185mm and Golra with 157mm.
Rawalpindi Deputy Commissioner Captain (retd) Nadeem Nasir placed relevant departments on high alert and directed residents living near Nullah Lai to move to safer areas.
Rescue 1122 teams were deployed around Nullah Lai, while the Water and Sanitation Agency declared a rain emergency in the nullah's catchment areas. Wasa teams and heavy machinery were also deployed to several low-lying and flood-prone locations.
Officials said water levels at Katarian reached 29 feet, while the level at the Gowalmandi bridge rose to 24 feet. Authorities warned that another surge of water could enter Rawalpindi from Islamabad.
Several areas, including Safdarabad, Sadiqabad, Dhok Khaba, Pirwadhai, Fauji Colony, Javed Colony and Arya Mohalla, were reported to have been inundated.
The deputy commissioner said Rawalpindi received around 200mm of rain, the highest rainfall recorded in the city in three years. He said the main impact was on Nullah Lai, where water from adjoining drains was backing up and entering nearby residential areas.
The Pakistan Army's 111 Brigade, Rescue 1122, Pakistan Rangers and other institutions were deployed to assist the district administration. Evacuation teams were also sent to low-lying areas.
Wasa urged citizens to avoid unnecessary travel and said teams would continue monitoring Nullah Lai and other drains.
Government and private educational institutions in the twin cities were closed for the day as accumulated water on roads and in residential areas posed difficulties for students and commuters.
