Flood Warning Issued for Rawalpindi Ahead of Predicted Monsoon Rain

As the pre-monsoon season approaches, authorities in Rawalpindi have intensified efforts to prevent potential disasters by issuing final evacuation notices—some for the second time—to residents of 285 century-old multi-storey buildings across the district. These structures are at high risk of leaking or collapsing during heavy rains.

The Rawalpindi Municipal Corporation (RMC), District Council, cantonment boards, and the Evacuee Trust Property Board are coordinating the evacuation process. Many of these buildings, which date back to the British and Hindu eras, are located in densely populated areas of the inner city.

Deputy Commissioner Hasan Waqar Cheema has enforced a strict ban on dumping garbage, construction debris, or any waste into Nullah Leh—a 22-kilometre drainage channel—and 15 other stormwater drains. Area police officers (SHOs) have been instructed to register FIRs against anyone violating this order.

In anticipation of possible flooding, residents living near Nullah Leh have begun moving valuable possessions—such as jewelry, furniture, and appliances—to safer locations. Some families have already started temporary relocation efforts.

To bolster preparedness, the Civil Defence Department, district administration, and the 111 Brigade are planning joint flood-response drills next week. These full-scale rehearsals will be held in flood-prone zones such as Javed Colony and Nadeem Colony, involving Civil Defence personnel, police, and Rescue 1122 teams.

The Pakistan Meteorological Department has predicted pre-monsoon showers next week, raising alarm among residents near stormwater channels. In response, 15 temporary Civil Defence posts have been set up in high-risk areas.

Rawalpindi experiences widespread damage every year during the monsoon and pre-monsoon seasons, with around 70 percent of its residential and commercial zones affected by flooding.

The Evacuee Trust Property Board, responsible for many aging structures previously owned by Hindus and Sikhs, has ordered tenants of both residential and commercial buildings in Raja Bazaar, Sarafa Bazaar, Purana Qila, Bagh Sardaran, Dingi Khoi, Shah Chan Chiragh, Banni Mohalla, Jhanda Mohalla, Jamia Masjid Road, Moti Bazaar, and Trunk Bazaar to vacate by June 30. Buildings that are not vacated will face demolition.

Several residents have filed legal petitions against the evacuation orders. The court has asked the district council and RMC’s chief officer to submit formal responses.

Meanwhile, District Civil Defence Officer Talib Hussain confirmed that all arrangements for the flood-response drills have been finalized. The official flood season in Rawalpindi will begin on July 1 and continue through September 15.

Via Tribune