Authorities have decided to open the spillways of Rawal Dam on Tuesday after heavy rainfall across Islamabad and Rawalpindi pushed the reservoir’s water level to 1,751.90 feet.
The Islamabad district administration said the spillways would be opened at 2 p.m., with Rescue 1122, police and other relevant departments placed on alert.
Residents have been advised to stay away from streams, drainage channels and low-lying areas as water is released from the reservoir.
The downpour has already caused casualties in the twin cities. In Islamabad, the roof of a house collapsed in Sector G-III, killing one man and injuring another. Rescue teams recovered both from the debris and shifted them to the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS).
In Rawalpindi, a 50-year-old man identified as Ibrahim Qaiser died from electrocution after rainwater entered Arya Mohalla, according to police.
Authorities are also closely monitoring Nullah Lai, where rapidly rising water levels prompted warning sirens and alerts for residents of nearby communities.
Rawalpindi Deputy Commissioner Nadeem Nasir said the water level at Gawalmandi had fallen from an earlier peak of 26 feet to 21 feet, indicating some easing of the immediate threat. A level of 21 feet was also recorded at Kattarian.
The rainfall was particularly intense in parts of Rawalpindi. Shamsabad recorded 195 millimetres, while New Kattarian received 180mm and Golra 157mm. The Pakistan Meteorological Department recorded 146mm of rainfall.
Emergency services remain on alert as authorities monitor Rawal Dam, Nullah Lai and other waterways for further increases following the exceptionally heavy rainfall.