Severe flooding in Pakistan’s Punjab province has led to the evacuation of approximately 200,000 residents. Rescuers utilized boats to ferry those in danger to safety following warnings of exceptionally high water levels in the Ravi, Sutlej, and Chenab rivers. Some districts have mobilized military assistance to aid in the rescue efforts.
The flooding situation was exacerbated by a warning from India regarding the release of water from major upstream dams. Recent intense rainfall, attributed to the monsoon season, has resulted in over 800 fatalities in Pakistan since June. The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has advised residents in affected areas to avoid rivers, drains, and low-lying regions.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced that the federal government would collaborate with regional authorities to reduce flood risks, particularly in urban zones like Gujarat, Sialkot, and Lahore—Pakistan’s second-largest city. In Sialkot, rainfall recorded in a 24-hour period has surpassed levels not seen in nearly 50 years, leading to widespread property damage.
Rescue operations have involved door-to-door visits to assist villagers in relocating their families and livestock. Reports indicate that more than 32,000 individuals have been rescued by emergency teams. Some residents, however, have chosen not to evacuate, citing concerns about their livestock and property.
This flood emergency follows a recent warning from India about water release from dams, a rarely communicated action amid the geopolitical tensions between the two countries. Both nations have faced severe flooding due to the ongoing monsoon rains, which have also resulted in significant loss of life in India. In a separate incident, a landslide in Indian-administered Kashmir has reportedly killed at least 30 individuals.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/ckgywj819n7o?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss