Mass evacuations in Pakistan’s flooded Punjab have intensified, with nearly 300,000 people forced to leave their homes in the last 48 hours. The evacuations follow fresh flood alerts, bringing the total number of displaced people since last month to over 1.3 million.
Flood Alert Triggers Evacuation Drive
A new flood alert was issued after water released from Indian dams poured into low-lying border regions. Rising waters submerged entire villages across Muzaffargarh, Narowal, and Sialkot. Rescue teams are now racing against time to move people and livestock to safer ground.
Massive Relief and Rescue Operations
Authorities in Punjab are conducting one of the largest rescue missions in the region’s history. Thousands of rescuers, supported by the military, are using boats and drones to locate stranded families. Drone technology is helping find survivors on rooftops, while soldiers are transporting vulnerable villagers to temporary shelters.
Despite these efforts, more than 3.3 million residents across 33,000 villages remain directly affected. The government has announced compensation for those who have lost homes or crops, though assessments of total damage are still underway.
Struggles in Relief Camps
Currently, about 40,000 people are staying in official relief camps. Conditions, however, are far from ideal. Families report shortages of food, clean drinking water, and medical care. Extreme heat and frequent power cuts worsen the situation, creating a higher risk of disease outbreaks among evacuees.
Some displaced residents have refused to enter the camps, preferring to stay near their flooded homes. Complaints about delayed food deliveries and inadequate facilities highlight the urgent need for stronger relief measures.
Impact Beyond Pakistan’s Borders
Flooding has also devastated neighboring India’s Punjab state, where landslides and rising waters have killed dozens. Nearly 20,000 people have been evacuated there since early August. Both sides of the border continue to experience severe challenges in protecting communities and farmland from climate-driven disasters.
Government Response and Challenges Ahead
Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif visited Muzaffargarh, pledging more support for displaced families. Temporary tent villages and food distribution drives have been launched, but the sheer scale of displacement makes recovery a daunting task. The floods are the worst Pakistan has faced since 2022, when nearly 1,700 lives were lost.
As the crisis deepens, Pakistan must confront long-term challenges of climate resilience, disaster preparedness, and infrastructure protection. Coordinated efforts between government agencies and international partners will be critical to prevent further loss of life.
Learn more about global climate adaptation initiatives from the United Nations Climate Change page.
