Rawalpindi Declares Holiday for Schools, Colleges and Universities

Heavy rain has battered Rawalpindi and Islamabad, flooding several low-lying areas and disrupting daily life. Authorities have ordered the closure of all public and private educational institutions in Rawalpindi as water levels in Nullah Lai continue to rise. According to the administration, all schools, colleges, and other educational institutions in Rawalpindi city will remain closed as a safety measure. Water in Nullah Lai crossed 28 feet at the Katarian point, while the level at Gawalmandi reached around 23.5 feet, raising concerns about possible flooding in nearby residential areas. Rainfall of 197mm was recorded in Shamsabad, 182mm in New Katarian and 157mm in Golra. The rising water level in Nullah Lai triggered flood warnings, with danger sirens sounded in areas around Gawalmandi. Residents living near the waterway have also been advised to evacuate as a precautionary measure. Several parts of Rawalpindi have been inundated following the heavy downpour. Rainwater entered shops in Raja Bazaar, Jamia Masjid Road and Imambargah Chowk, while low-lying areas including Arya Mohalla, Millat Colony, Javed Colony and Dhoke Khabba were submerged. Water also entered homes in Safdarabad, Gali Loharan and Fauji Colony near Pirwadhai. Areas within Union Councils 4 and 5 were affected, while vehicles were submerged in Awan Colony. The city's Model Raja Bazaar was also flooded. Water has accumulated on Chaudhry Road, Service Road in Sadiqabad, Dhoke Kala Khan and Mochi Bazaar. Authorities have declared a rain emergency and instructed residents of vulnerable low-lying areas to move to safer locations. The administration has also announced a holiday for all government and private educational institutions in Rawalpindi amid the ongoing heavy rainfall and flooding situation. Meanwhile, the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has forecast more rain over the next 48 hours. Rain is expected in parts of Gilgit-Baltistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, and Punjab. Read More: EU Introduces New Rules for ChatGPT The NDMA has warned that continued rainfall in upper areas could increase water flows in rivers and cause flooding in streams and nullahs, prompting authorities to remain on alert.