Code Red Enforced as Nullah Lai Swells to Dangerous Levels During Torrential Rain
RAWALPINDI, (APP – UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News – 1st Sep, 2026)
District authorities have issued emergency evacuation alerts for low-lying areas and declared a local holiday for all educational institutions on Tuesday as Nullah Lai reaches dangerous levels following relentless monsoon rains.
Key Points:
- Code Red Alert: The Punjab Emergency Services Department (Rescue 1122) implemented a district-wide "Code Red" alert after water levels at Nullah Lai’s Katarian Bridge surpassed 27.5 feet, exceeding the 20-foot critical evacuation threshold.
- Heavy Rainfall: Continuous heavy rainfall in the catchment areas threatens to further elevate water levels.
- Evacuation and Relief Efforts: Heavy machinery and relief personnel have been deployed to vulnerable areas including Liaquat Bagh, Committee Chowk Underpass, Murree Road, Dhoke Khabba, Circular Road, and Sadiqabad.
- Road and Traffic Disruptions: Stagnant rainwater up to four feet deep on Old Airport Road has completely suspended traffic. Severe waterlogging has paralyzed movement along Murree Road, Chaklala, and the Islamabad Expressway.
- Stranded Citizens: Rescue teams successfully evacuated dozens of citizens from flooded homes in sectors such as Arya Mohallah, Nadeem Colony, Gwalmandi, Multani Mohallah, Gulzar-e-Quaid, and Wakeel Colony.
District Administration Response:
The district administration has placed Rescue 1122, Civil Defence, the Rawalpindi Waste Management Company, and the Municipal Corporation on high alert. Authorities are urging citizens to:
- Avoid unnecessary travel.
- Keep children away from electric poles and swollen nullahs.
- Follow safety advisories closely.
Ongoing Surveillance:
Administrative teams are maintaining continuous 24-hour field surveillance across flood-prone sectors.
