Heavy rains lash Islamabad and Rawalpindi; Margalla hills trails closed

Islamabad and Rawalpindi continue to experience heavy rainfall, prompting authorities to close several hiking trails in the Margalla Hills due to safety concerns. Trails 2, 3, 4, and 5, along with the trail behind Saidpur village, will remain closed today.

The downpour has led to flash flooding in local streams and low-lying areas. In Islamabad’s Bhara Kahu area, particularly around Athal Chowk, roads and streets are submerged, with rainwater entering homes and shops. Several vehicles have also been stranded due to waterlogging.

As a precaution, the spillways of Rawal Dam have been opened to manage the rising water levels.

Meanwhile, in Dera Ismail Khan, torrential rains accompanied by strong winds have uprooted trees and damaged power lines, resulting in widespread electricity outages. Roof collapses and other rain-related incidents have claimed seven lives and injured at least 40 people. Several low-lying areas have been inundated.

Rain has also been reported in Peshawar, Mardan, North and South Waziristan, as well as various parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Azad Kashmir.

In Skardu, heavy rains have been forecast starting today. Authorities have advised locals and tourists to avoid unnecessary travel. Due to the risk of rising water levels in the Gilgit River, all riverside hotels have been closed, and nearby educational institutions will remain shut on Monday.

The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has issued a nationwide alert for heavy rains expected to continue across most regions until August 30.

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On the other side, a high-level flood has been reported at Ganda Singh Wala in River Sutlej following the release of water from India. Relief operations are actively underway in flood-affected areas of Kasur.

According to officials, around 5,500 flood victims have been relocated to safer areas, while over 800 livestock have also been evacuated.

The Flood Forecasting Division in Lahore reports that there is a low-level flood at Head Sulemanki.

Meanwhile, in River Indus, a high-level flood is occurring at Guddu Barrage, with a medium-level flood at Sukkur Barrage and a low-level flood at Tarbela.