By Hammad Kahlun
Scandinavian News Agency Finland
Lahore: Heavy monsoon rains have triggered massive flooding across Punjab, forcing authorities to evacuate nearly 500,000 people to safer areas. Millions more remain affected as rising waters continue to inundate villages and farmland.
According to the Punjab Disaster Management Authority (PDMA), at least 835 people have lost their lives nationwide since June 26, including 195 in Punjab alone.
For the first time in Pakistan’s history, all three major rivers — Chenab, Ravi and Sutlej — overflowed simultaneously, flooding more than 2,000 villages.
PDMA chief Irfan Ali Khan called it the province’s “largest rescue operation ever,” with over 800 boats and 1,300 personnel deployed to evacuate stranded families. Authorities also reported the rescue of over 400,000 livestock and the establishment of more than 500 relief camps across Punjab.
Farmers in the affected regions say their fields and homes are completely submerged, with little government support reaching them so far.
The Meteorological Department has warned of further heavy rains and strong winds in the coming days, raising fears of worsening conditions.
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