Over 200,000 people have been evacuated as catastrophic floods devastate parts of Pakistan’s Punjab province. Authorities warned of “exceptionally high” water levels along the Ravi, Sutlej, and Chenab rivers, prompting emergency rescues by boats and army assistance in multiple districts.
Cause of Flooding
The floods follow intense monsoon rains and warnings from India about upstream dam water releases, which have added to the rising water levels downstream in Pakistan. Both countries have experienced heavy rainfall in recent weeks, with Pakistan recording over 800 deaths due to monsoon-related disasters since June.
Impact on Cities and Villages
Sialkot: Record Rainfall
Sialkot, one of Pakistan’s major cities, received more rainfall in 24 hours than any day in the past 49 years, according to Pakistan’s chief meteorologists. Floodwaters have submerged cars, homes, and buildings, leaving many residents stranded.
Kasur and Surrounding Areas
Rescuers are evacuating villagers door-to-door, relocating residents and livestock by boat. Local officials report over 32,000 people rescued so far. In Kasur district, some villagers have chosen to stay behind, citing financial constraints and the need to protect their property and livestock.
Human Stories
Many families face devastating choices between evacuation and protecting their belongings:
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Nadeem Ahmad, a villager, refused to leave despite rising waters, stating he could not afford repeated evacuations.
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Emergency teams rescued women, children, and elderly residents, often cradling infants on small boats through turbulent floodwaters.
Government Response
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif confirmed that the federal government is fully cooperating with regional authorities to mitigate flooding risks, particularly in urban areas like Gujarat, Sialkot, and Lahore. The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has urged residents to avoid rivers, drains, and low-lying areas.
Cross-Border Water Management
Authorities confirmed that India’s warning of upstream dam releases contributed to flooding downstream in Pakistan. This rare bilateral notification comes after a period of heightened military tensions between the two countries in May.
Wider Regional Impact
Monsoon-related disasters have also affected Indian-administered Kashmir, where a landslide on the route to the Vaishno Devi shrine killed at least 30 people. Both nations are grappling with floods and landslides caused by extreme rainfall, highlighting the vulnerability of the region to climate events.
Conclusion
The floods in Punjab are not only a natural disaster but also a social and economic crisis. With millions affected and many living below the poverty line, the need for timely rescue, shelter, and aid is critical. Authorities continue to coordinate evacuation efforts, yet many residents remain reluctant to leave, balancing survival with the protection of their homes and livelihoods.
