Islamabad, Mar 29, 2025: A newly released United Nations study has underscored Islamabad’s susceptibility to localized flooding, despite its status as a planned metropolis, primarily due to the lack of an efficient stormwater drainage system.
UN-Habitat and Pakistan’s National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) jointly published the study titled Multi-Hazard Vulnerability and Risk Assessment (MHVRA).
It revealed that even moderate rainfall frequently triggers urban flooding in Islamabad and Rawalpindi, largely attributed to rapid urban expansion, deforestation, and increasing water consumption.
The depletion of groundwater reserves and rising temperatures have exacerbated the situation.
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Rawalpindi, in particular, experiences sudden urban floods due to the overflow of Nullah Leh, whereas Nowshera, situated along the Kabul River, remains at significant risk of riverine flooding.
The assessment identified high-risk flood-prone areas and highlighted infrastructure vulnerabilities contributing to the crisis.
Efforts to strengthen flood resilience have been introduced by the Pakistan Council of Research in Water Resources (PCRWR) and the Water and Sanitation Agency (WASA).
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These initiatives include rainwater harvesting techniques and capacity-building programs designed for government officials to improve disaster response and mitigation strategies.
The report outlined key recommendations, such as upgrading drainage networks, reinforcing embankments, and integrating eco-friendly solutions to minimize flood risks.
These insights aim to shape national and municipal policies, fostering improved disaster preparedness and sustainable urban planning to enhance resilience against future flooding threats.
