Rawalpindi flood emergency 2025
Rawalpindi is facing a flood emergency after relentless monsoon rains submerged major parts of the city in July 2025. With over 60 reported dead, roads turned into rivers, and the army deployed for rescue operations, the situation remains critical. Authorities have declared a public holiday, set up relief camps, and issued evacuation alerts for low-lying areas near Nullah Leh. This post provides live updates, affected areas, water levels, and everything you need to know to stay safe.
By Raja Awais Ali
7/18/20252 min read
Rawalpindi Flood Emergency 2025: Monsoon Rains Devastate City, Army Called for Rescue
Rawalpindi, July 18, 2025 — What began as heavy rain has turned into a full-blown disaster in Rawalpindi. The city has been declared under a flood emergency as relentless monsoon downpours submerged major roads, flooded homes, and left thousands stranded. With over 60 lives lost across Punjab and water levels in Nullah Leh breaching the danger mark, Rawalpindi now faces one of its most severe natural crises in recent years.
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⚠ What Happened?
Torrential rains began early on July 17, intensifying by nightfall. Within hours, major areas like Saddar, Raja Bazaar, Murree Road, Katarian, and Gowalmandi were underwater. The Nullah Leh stream—Rawalpindi's most flood-prone waterway—swelled to 21 feet, far above its safe limit.
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🏚 Areas Most Affected
Raja Bazaar – Fully submerged, shops and vehicles underwater
Katarian & Gowalmandi – Close to Nullah Leh, mass evacuations
Dhoke Hassu & Committee Chowk – Power outages and traffic standstills
Murree Road – Impassable due to waist-deep water
Public transport was suspended. Schools were shut down. The district government declared a public holiday on July 17 to manage the crisis.
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🪖 Army & Rescue Teams Deployed
At the request of the district administration, the Pakistan Army's 111 Brigade was deployed. Boats, life jackets, and medical teams were dispatched to affected areas. Rescue workers evacuated dozens of families trapped in their homes.
Seven emergency relief camps have been set up across the city to provide:
Temporary shelter
Food and clean water
Basic medical care
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🗣 Official Warnings & Evacuation Orders
The NDMA and WASA Rawalpindi issued red alerts for:
Low-lying areas near Nullah Leh
Residents living close to stormwater drains
Unplanned urban zones with no drainage system
People are advised to:
Stay indoors unless in danger
Avoid walking or driving through floodwaters
Follow updates from official news channels and local mosques
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🌍 Why Does Rawalpindi Flood So Often?
Experts say this disaster was preventable. Despite years of warnings about urban encroachment, clogged drainage systems, and climate change, long-term flood mitigation efforts have been slow.
"Every year, we face the same nightmare," said a local resident. "Our city needs real infrastructure, not just press conferences."
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💬 Final Thoughts: Unity in Crisis
In the face of destruction, Rawalpindi’s community spirit has shone through. Neighbors are helping each other, local volunteers are guiding traffic, and social media is flooded with offers for shelter, food, and transport.
The rains haven’t stopped—but neither has the city’s will to survive.
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📢 Stay Updated
Follow NDMA Pakistan and WASA Rawalpindi for alerts