Some 200,000 people have been evacuated as floods devastate parts of Pakistan's Punjab province. Rescuers carried residents to safety in boats after disaster authorities warned of 'exceptionally high' floods along the Ravi, Sutlej, and Chenab rivers. Several districts called in the army to help. It comes after Pakistani officials said India had warned it would release water from major dams upstream, causing heavy flooding in parts of what is Pakistan's most populous province.
Both countries have suffered intense rainfall in recent weeks, with monsoon rains killing more than 800 people in Pakistan since June. The country's National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has warned people in affected areas to stay away from rivers, drains, and low-lying zones. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif stated that the federal government would fully cooperate with regional authorities to avert further flooding, particularly in urban areas like Gujarat, Sialkot, and Lahore.
Sialkot has seen record rainfall, causing cars, homes, and buildings to be submerged. Many residents remain stranded, choosing to protect their property amid the floods rather than evacuating. The NDMA reported that Wednesday's flooding follows India's warning about releasing water from dams. This communication is notable given the recent military tensions between the two nations. Both have faced severe weather impacts with tragic consequences.
Rescue operations have saved over 32,000 individuals trapped by floodwaters, though many continue to reject evacuation due to economic pressures. The floods have exacerbated the difficulties faced by impoverished communities, with locals risking their lives to safeguard livestock and belongings.
Both countries have suffered intense rainfall in recent weeks, with monsoon rains killing more than 800 people in Pakistan since June. The country's National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has warned people in affected areas to stay away from rivers, drains, and low-lying zones. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif stated that the federal government would fully cooperate with regional authorities to avert further flooding, particularly in urban areas like Gujarat, Sialkot, and Lahore.
Sialkot has seen record rainfall, causing cars, homes, and buildings to be submerged. Many residents remain stranded, choosing to protect their property amid the floods rather than evacuating. The NDMA reported that Wednesday's flooding follows India's warning about releasing water from dams. This communication is notable given the recent military tensions between the two nations. Both have faced severe weather impacts with tragic consequences.
Rescue operations have saved over 32,000 individuals trapped by floodwaters, though many continue to reject evacuation due to economic pressures. The floods have exacerbated the difficulties faced by impoverished communities, with locals risking their lives to safeguard livestock and belongings.
