What started off as a quiet Saturday morning quickly turned chaotic for residents of Islamabad as unexpectedly heavy monsoon rains lashed the city, flooding roads, paralyzing traffic, and leaving citizens scrambling for cover.

The downpour began around 6:30 AM and picked up intensity over the next few hours. By mid-morning, several low-lying areas were already underwater, including sectors G-6, G-10, F-7, and parts of Blue Area — turning major roads into rivers and footpaths into muddy streams.

“I was heading to work when my car broke down right in the middle of the Kashmir Highway. Water was up to the doors. There was no one around to help,” said Umair Raza, a resident of G-8, drenched and clearly frustrated.

Civic Services Overwhelmed

The Capital Development Authority (CDA), which had earlier claimed to be fully prepared for the monsoon season, appeared caught off guard. Videos shared on social media showed blocked drains, overflowing manholes, and helpless traffic wardens trying to direct cars through knee-deep water.

Despite warnings from the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) earlier this week about the likelihood of intense monsoon spells, drainage systems in many areas failed to hold up.

“We’ve deployed all our teams in the field. Our machinery is working round-the-clock to clear water from main roads,” said a CDA spokesperson, adding that work in certain sectors was delayed due to “technical limitations.”

Schools, Markets, and Daily Life Affected

As rainwater poured into shops and basements, many schools remained closed, and market activity slowed to a crawl. Those who had to step out for work or errands found themselves stuck in traffic for hours — some even abandoning their vehicles altogether.

“It’s the same story every year,” said Anum Tariq, a school teacher in F-6. “They promise drainage improvements, but one heavy rain and everything collapses. It's tiring.”

More Rain on the Way?

According to PMD’s latest update, rain is expected to continue intermittently for the next 48 hours, with the possibility of thunderstorms and gusty winds. Residents have been advised to stay indoors where possible and avoid unnecessary travel.

Emergency helplines have been activated, but response times remain slow, especially in peripheral sectors like I-10 and Bhara Kahu.

Bottom Line

The rains may have brought some welcome relief from the scorching July heat, but they’ve also exposed Islamabad’s fragile infrastructure and lack of preparedness. As monsoon season deepens, the city — and its residents — brace for more storms, both in the skies and on the streets.