The current monsoon season brought heavy rain over the Margalla Hills on Monday, causing sudden flash floods that hit Islamabad’s famous Saidpur village. The rainfall came without much warning and quickly turned the peaceful tourist spot into an area of chaos and damage.
Heavy rain in the hills sent large amounts of water rushing down into Saidpur, flooding its narrow streets. The area near the popular Des Pardes restaurant suffered the most as the powerful floodwaters forced residents and visitors to run for safety.
Videos posted on social media showed how strong the floods were, with cars and vans being carried away by the fast-moving water. Witnesses described scenes of panic as water entered houses and shops, covering ground floors and trapping vehicles on the main road. Locals struggled to move through the deep water, which worsened due to blocked drains and illegal buildings set up along natural water paths.
City officials quickly sent rescue and sanitation teams to clear debris and drain water from flooded spots. The authorities said they will start removing illegal buildings once the weather clears, as these structures have narrowed the natural water flow and made flooding worse.
A CDA spokesperson explained that encroachments were a major reason the water could not flow freely through the stream. They promised that all illegal structures blocking waterways would be demolished to prevent similar problems in the future.
Meanwhile, the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) has put Punjab on high alert as more rain is expected until July 25 during this fourth monsoon spell. Several districts have already seen heavy downpours, raising river levels and causing urban flooding. People living near rivers, streams, and hilly areas like the Margalla foothills have been asked to stay alert and take safety measures as more rain is on the way.
This situation highlights the risks of unplanned construction, poor drainage systems, and extreme weather caused by climate change. As the monsoon rains continue across northern Pakistan, authorities are working to limit damage and protect lives and property.
