Thousands have been evacuated as 'exceptionally high' flooding devastates parts of Pakistan's Punjab province, with around 200,000 residents forced to leave their homes. Rescuers are using boats to transport stranded residents to safety after disaster authorities issued warnings about severe flooding along the Ravi, Sutlej, and Chenab rivers. Emergency services in numerous districts have called upon the army for additional support.
The situation worsened following warnings from Indian officials regarding the potential release of water from major dams upstream, which could lead to increased flooding in what is Pakistan's most populous province. In recent weeks, both nations have been affected by heavy monsoon rains, which have led to over 800 fatalities in Pakistan since June.
The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) in Pakistan is advising residents in affected areas to keep away from rivers, drains, and low-lying regions. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has confirmed that the federal government will assist regional authorities in flood prevention efforts, especially in urban areas like Gujarat, Sialkot, and Lahore.
Reports indicate that Sialkot experienced more rainfall in one day than it had seen in the last 49 years. Consequently, cars, homes, and other structures have been submerged, leaving many residents stranded, according to the federal planning minister.
Search and rescue efforts have been intensified, with teams going door-to-door to help families and their livestock escape the floods. Thousands of people have already been rescued from floodwaters, highlighting the urgent need for help. Although many residents wish to remain to protect their property, the ongoing floods are making this increasingly dangerous.
The situation remains dire as India and Pakistan navigate the aftermath of these devastating floods, with the risk of further flooding still at large.
The situation worsened following warnings from Indian officials regarding the potential release of water from major dams upstream, which could lead to increased flooding in what is Pakistan's most populous province. In recent weeks, both nations have been affected by heavy monsoon rains, which have led to over 800 fatalities in Pakistan since June.
The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) in Pakistan is advising residents in affected areas to keep away from rivers, drains, and low-lying regions. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has confirmed that the federal government will assist regional authorities in flood prevention efforts, especially in urban areas like Gujarat, Sialkot, and Lahore.
Reports indicate that Sialkot experienced more rainfall in one day than it had seen in the last 49 years. Consequently, cars, homes, and other structures have been submerged, leaving many residents stranded, according to the federal planning minister.
Search and rescue efforts have been intensified, with teams going door-to-door to help families and their livestock escape the floods. Thousands of people have already been rescued from floodwaters, highlighting the urgent need for help. Although many residents wish to remain to protect their property, the ongoing floods are making this increasingly dangerous.
The situation remains dire as India and Pakistan navigate the aftermath of these devastating floods, with the risk of further flooding still at large.
