Following heavy Islamabad rain, the water level in Rawal Dam has risen above the specified limit, putting the capital city on alert.
Deputy Commissioner Islamabad, Irfan Nawaz Memon, has announced that “water levels have risen above the specified limit, so it has been decided to open the spillways on Monday, August 31, at 6am.”
He added that, “During this time, rescue teams, police, and relevant departments have been instructed to remain on alert.” The commissioner also urged all citizens to avoid going near rivers, drains, and low-lying areas.
اسلام آباد اور گردونواح میں مون سون بارشوں کی وجہ سے راول ڈیم میں پانی کی سطح مقررہ حد سے بلند ہونے پر کل بتاریخ 31 اگست بروز سوموار صبح 6 بجے سپل ویز کھولنے کا فیصلہ کیا گیا ہے، اس دوران ریسکیو ٹیمز، پولیس اور متعلقہ اداروں کو الرٹ رہنے کی ہدایت کی گئی ہے جبکہ شہریوں سے اپیل ہے…
— DC Islamabad (@dcislamabad) August 30, 2026
Earlier this month, Rawal Dam’s spillways were opened after heavy Islamabad rain filled the reservoir to capacity.
The spillways of Rawal Dam were opened for five hours, from 6am to 11am, to drain excess water after the water level rose to 1,748 feet. It was the first time this monsoon season that the spillways were opened.
It is pertinent to mention that Rawalpindi and Islamabad rely on water from three main dams: Rawal, Simly, and Khanpur.
Rawal Dam was completed and inaugurated in 1962. Built on the Korang River in 1962, it covers 8.8 square kilometers (3.4 square miles) inside the Margalla Hills National Park.