Rawalpindi Floods: WASA Tables Four-Point Plan After 200mm Monsoon Deluge

Rawalpindi and Islamabad were struck by their fifth and most dangerous monsoon spell of 2026 on September 1, with rainfall exceeding 200 millimetres in parts of the city — enough to claim at least one life and inflict millions of rupees in vehicle and property damage. In the aftermath, WASA Rawalpindi has prepared a formal four-option flood management reference for the Punjab and federal governments, while Radio Pakistan reported that PDMA Punjab and WASA were placed on high alert as the record-breaking rains overwhelmed drainage networks. The twin-city flooding has reignited demands for structural intervention in the waterways that have historically failed Rawalpindi's residents during monsoon peaks.

WASA's Four-Pronged Plan to Tame Nullah Leh

After the September 1 deluge — where more than 200 millimetres of rain fell on Rawalpindi and Islamabad — the Water and Sanitation Agency (WASA) Rawalpindi has prepared a reference document containing four options to prevent future devastation caused by Nullah Leh overflows. The reference, to be sent to the Punjab government, recommends that the Punjab and federal governments jointly implement the plan. The four proposals are: improving the catchment areas of Nullah Leh across Rawalpindi and Islamabad; widening the Nullah Leh water channel to increase its flood capacity; constructing a dam on a nullah near F-9 Park in Islamabad to intercept flood surges before they enter Rawalpindi; and diverting the Saidpur Nullah away from Nullah Leh towards Korang Nullah to reduce pressure on the main channel. WASA's reference also flags that residents of Dhoke Chirag Din continue to dump garbage along Nullah Leh's banks, defying Section 144 imposed by the city administration. The agency noted that while Nullah Leh was cleaned before monsoon season, building materials dumped at Gawalmandi and Ganjmandi had narrowed the channel — worsening flooding. A full re-cleaning of the nullah is now considered essential. [2]

Record Rainfall Overwhelms Rawalpindi, Agencies Placed on Alert

Radio Pakistan reported on September 1, 2026, that heavy rainfall had lashed Rawalpindi and Islamabad, with relevant departments placed on full alert. According to PDMA Punjab, Shamsabad in Rawalpindi recorded 201 millimetres of rainfall — among the highest single-day figures for the city in recent monsoon seasons. New Katarian recorded 186 millimetres and Golra in Islamabad recorded 157 millimetres. The torrential downpour inundated several low-lying areas of the federal capital, with nullahs overflowing in E-11 and Ghouri Town. Floodwaters entered roads and the basements of some buildings, causing significant inconvenience and property damage. PDMA Punjab and WASA were activated and deployed to manage the crisis and assist affected residents. The scale of rainfall — with Shamsabad exceeding 200mm — underscores the severity of the storm system that struck both cities simultaneously. Rawalpindi, a city long vulnerable to Nullah Leh flooding, once again bore the brunt of the monsoon's worst, validating concerns that had been raised by civil engineers and residents for years about inadequate urban drainage infrastructure. [3]

Sources: [2] tribune.com.pk · [3] RADIO PAKISTAN