Pakistan: Torrential Rains Flood Rawalpindi, Low-Lying Areas Submerged.

Rawalpindi, Pakistan - August 19, 2026 Torrential monsoon rains inundated large parts of Rawalpindi, leaving streets, roads, markets and residential areas submerged. Several feet of water accumulated in low-lying areas, while vehicles were stranded and motorcycles were swept away by strong water currents. Water entered homes and shops, damaging household belongings and disrupting daily life. Two house walls collapsed in Dhok Hasu, while around 550 children were trapped after water entered two campuses of a madrassa in Saddar and were safely evacuated by rescue teams. The water level in Nullah Lai rose to 22 feet at Katarian and 15 feet at Gawalmandi, prompting warning sirens and announcements in nearby areas. More than 100 millimetres of rain was recorded across the twin cities, with Rawalpindi receiving up to 146mm at Kacheri, 127mm at Shamsabad, 123mm at Pirwadhai and 120mm at New Katarian. WASA teams remained active with machinery to drain floodwater, while Rawalpindi Police assisted citizens during the severe weather. The Meteorological Department has forecast more rain in the city