A tragic accident has intensified the crisis unfolding in Pakistan’s southern Punjab province after a boat carrying flood evacuees capsized, leaving at least five people dead and twelve others critically injured. The boat overturned in Multan district due to strong river currents, but most passengers were rescued.
The incident comes amid relentless flooding caused by overflowing rivers including the Ravi, Sutlej, and Chenab. The disaster has devastated more than 4,100 villages and displaced over two million people from their homes. Relief efforts have been scaled up with authorities establishing 423 relief camps, 512 medical units, and 432 veterinary centers to safeguard both residents and livestock. More than 1.5 million animals have already been moved to safety.
Since June, nearly 900 lives have been lost to widespread monsoon floods across the country. Southern Punjab, home to 150 million people, has been one of the hardest-hit regions. Entire villages have been abandoned, with families forced to leave behind their belongings in a desperate effort to survive. The floods have submerged tens of thousands of acres of farmland, including mango orchards and standing crops, dealing a heavy blow to Pakistan’s agricultural heartland.
The monsoon season, which typically winds down by September, is showing no signs of abating. Meteorologists warn of a 10th monsoon spell, raising fears of further destruction. Scientists link this unpredictability and intensity of rainfall to global warming, which is amplifying climate risks in one of the world’s most vulnerable countries.
The consequences extend beyond immediate displacement and loss of life. Punjab is Pakistan’s primary wheat-producing region, making the destruction of farmland a major food security concern. A similar crisis in 2022 wiped out vast tracts of crops, prompting warnings of food shortages. With climate change making monsoon patterns more erratic, the region faces an uncertain future.
Across South Asia, seasonal monsoons bring essential rainfall for agriculture, but their increasing severity is turning a lifeline into a source of catastrophe. For millions in Pakistan, this year’s floods have become yet another reminder of the escalating climate emergency threatening their lives and livelihoods.
