The ongoing monsoon spell unleashed heavy rainfall over the Margalla Hills on Monday, triggering powerful flash floods that swept through Islamabad’s historic Saidpur village. The downpour struck with little warning, turning the serene tourist destination into a scene of chaos and devastation.
The flash floods, fed by intense rainfall in the hills, sent torrents of water rushing down into the valley, overwhelming the narrow streets of Saidpur. The area near the well-known Des Pardes restaurant was particularly hard hit, as floodwaters surged through the village, forcing residents and tourists to flee for safety.
Dramatic videos shared on social media showed the sheer intensity of the flood, with cars and vans being swept away by the raging current. Eyewitnesses reported scenes of panic, with water entering homes and businesses, submerging ground floors, and stranding vehicles along the main street. Many locals struggled to navigate the deep, fast-moving water that had accumulated due to poor drainage and illegal encroachments along the natural watercourses.
City authorities quickly launched emergency response operations. Sanitation and rescue teams were dispatched to clear debris and drain the water that had collected in low-lying pockets throughout the village. Officials confirmed that a demolition drive would begin after the rain subsides, targeting unauthorized constructions that have narrowed the natural flow of stormwater and exacerbated flooding in the area.
“The encroachments are one of the major reasons water could not pass freely through the stream,” said a CDA spokesperson. “Once the weather allows, all illegal structures along the waterway will be removed to prevent future disasters.”
The flash flooding in Islamabad reflects a broader weather emergency in the region. The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) has placed Punjab on high alert, warning of potential flooding through July 25 as part of the fourth wave of this year’s monsoon season. Several districts across the province have already experienced heavy rainfall, leading to rising water levels in rivers and urban flooding in vulnerable areas.
Residents living in low-lying and hilly regions, including those in and around the Margalla foothills, have been urged to take extra precautions as the forecast predicts more rain in the coming days.
This latest incident underscores the growing risks posed by unregulated construction, inadequate urban planning, and climate-induced weather extremes. As the monsoon continues to batter northern Pakistan, authorities are racing to mitigate the damage and prevent further loss of life and property.
