Islamabad, August 22, 2025: Torrential rains in Islamabad and Rawalpindi on Saturday night caused flash flooding in streams and drains, submerging low-lying areas and disrupting daily life. In Islamabad’s Bhara Kahu Uthaal Chowk, floodwaters entered homes and shops, while several vehicles were stranded at various locations.
According to officials, the spillways of Rawal Dam were opened after heavy downpours. Authorities also announced the closure of hiking trails 2, 3, 4, and 5 in the Margalla Hills, as well as the trail behind Saidpur Village, due to safety concerns.
In Punjab, heavy rains inundated low-lying areas of Chichawatni, Hafizabad, Chiniot, Gujrat, Kamalia, Kot Addu, and Gojra. Similar weather patterns were reported in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, where Peshawar, Mardan, and both North and South Waziristan experienced heavy showers.
In Dera Ismail Khan, torrential rain accompanied by strong winds caused roofs to collapse in multiple incidents, leaving at least seven people dead and 40 others injured. Uprooted trees and snapped power lines disrupted electricity supply across several localities.
Meanwhile, authorities in Skardu have forecast heavy rainfall starting today and advised residents and tourists to avoid unnecessary travel. Fearing a surge in the flow of the Gilgit River, all riverside hotels have been shut down, and schools located near the river will remain closed on Monday.
The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has already issued a countrywide alert, warning of more heavy rains in most parts of Pakistan until August 30.
