Heavy monsoon rains prompt authorities to open Rawal Dam spillways to manage surging water levels and prevent flooding. On Sunday, August 24, 2025, authorities opened the spillways of Rawal Dam in Islamabad at 1:00 PM after the water level surged to 1752 feet, driven by heavy monsoon rains, to prevent potential overflow and urban flooding. The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) coordinated the response to ensure public safety.
Why This Matters
The opening of Rawal Dam’s spillways highlights the critical challenge of managing water resources during South Asia’s monsoon season. In Pakistan, where urban flooding threatens densely populated cities like Islamabad and Rawalpindi, effective dam management is vital to mitigate risks, protect infrastructure, and ensure water supply stability, a concern echoed across the region’s monsoon-prone areas.
Rawal Dam Water Level Triggers Action
The NDMA announced that the Rawal Dam’s water level reached 1752 feet on Sunday morning, hitting the dam’s maximum storage capacity.According to a statement from the NDMA, the decision to open the spillways was made to regulate water flow and prevent overflow into the Korang Nullah, which could exacerbate flooding risks in downstream areas. The operation began at 1:00 PM, following prior notification to relevant departments.
Rescue, security, and medical teams were deployed at key locations, including bridges, streams, and vulnerable downstream points, to manage the released water and ensure public safety, as confirmed by sources cited in ARY News. The NDMA also issued advisories urging residents near the Korang Nullah to avoid crossing temporary bridges and to exercise caution due to expected increases in water flow.
Monsoon Rains Drive Surge
Heavy monsoon rains in Islamabad and surrounding areas during mid- to late August sharply raised Rawal Dam’s water level. The Pakistan Meteorological Department had forecast heavy to very heavy rainfall between August 17 and 27, which contributed to the reservoir reaching its maximum capacity of 1,752 feet. Rawal Dam, a key water source for Islamabad and Rawalpindi, also serves as a vital flood-control structure during the July–September monsoon season.
The Capital Development Authority (CDA) confirmed on X that spillways were opened after water levels crossed safe limits, advising citizens to stay away from rivers, streams, and low-lying areas. “⚠️ Citizens should adopt safety measures and refrain from approaching nullahs and low-lying areas,” the CDA posted at 2:29 PM on August 18, 2025.
Safety Measures and Coordination
The district administration, in coordination with Rescue 1122 and the Water and Sanitation Agency (WASA), implemented precautionary measures to manage the water release. Emergency teams were stationed at critical points to monitor water flow and respond to potential incidents. The NDMA’s proactive communication with local authorities ensured a coordinated response, minimising risks to communities downstream.
Residents in settlements adjacent to the Korang Nullah were specifically advised to stay vigilant. “People should avoid crossing the temporary bridge on the nullah after the upsurge in water flow,” an NDMA spokesperson stated, as reported by ARY News. The operation reflects a broader strategy to mitigate urban flooding risks in the twin cities, where heavy rains have previously caused significant disruption.
Background
Rawal Dam, located on the Korang River, is a vital infrastructure asset supplying water to over seven million residents in Islamabad and Rawalpindi. With a storage capacity of approximately 47,500 acre-feet, the dam also serves as a key flood control mechanism during the monsoon season. In recent years, rising water levels due to intense rainfall have necessitated frequent spillway openings, with similar operations reported on July 20 and August 18, 2025, when water levels reached 1748 and 1751 feet, respectively.
Pakistan’s monsoon season often brings heavy rainfall, leading to urban flooding and infrastructure challenges. The NDMA and local authorities have increasingly focused on proactive measures, including real-time weather monitoring and community alerts, to manage these risks. The PMD’s forecasts and dam management protocols are critical to preventing disasters in densely populated urban centres.
What’s Next
As monsoon rains continue, authorities will closely monitor Rawal Dam’s water level to determine if further spillway operations are needed. The NDMA and district administration are expected to maintain heightened alertness, with ongoing coordination to safeguard communities. Effective management of Rawal Dam remains crucial to balancing water supply and flood prevention in Pakistan’s capital region.
Published in SouthAsianDesk, August 24th, 2025
Follow SouthAsianDesk on X, Instagram, and Facebook for insights on business and current affairs from across South Asia.
