Massive Flooding in Central Pakistan Forces Over 120,000 to Evacuate Amid Scorching Heat
Central Pakistan is grappling with one of its worst flooding crises in recent history as over 120,000 people have been evacuated from low-lying and vulnerable areas following relentless monsoon rains. The flooding, primarily affecting the eastern city of Jalalpur Pirwala in Punjab province, has submerged more than 3,900 villages across 26 districts, causing widespread displacement and devastation.
The Punjab Disaster Management Authority reported that the evacuations, backed by military assistance, took place overnight as floodwaters breached embankments and inundated homes and farmland. Irfan Ali Kathia, Director General of Punjab Disaster Management Authority, stated, “We were able to save many lives through timely evacuations, though some people refused to leave until the water reached their villages.” Despite the drastic measures, the displaced families are enduring scorching heat in tents and makeshift shelters, further compounding their hardship.
Since late June, the monsoon rains intensified by periodic cloudbursts and water releases from dams in neighboring India have overwhelmed the rivers Ravi, Chenab, and Sutlej, swelling them to dangerous levels. This has triggered the widespread flooding, particularly in Punjab. According to official data, around 2.2 million people have been displaced across Punjab since last month, with the death toll in the province reaching at least 61 and nationwide fatalities surpassing 900 since the monsoon season began. More than 4.1 million people across 4,100 villages in Punjab have been affected.
The situation in Punjab’s key cities remains precarious, as rising river levels continue to threaten urban centers such as Multan. Authorities are preparing for controlled breaches of embankments to divert floodwaters towards rural areas in an effort to protect densely populated cities. Rescue operations utilizing drones and helicopters have been intensified to locate and evacuate survivors from hard-to-reach areas.
Local resident Tariq Ullah, now living in a roadside tent, expressed both relief and despair: “Thank God our lives were saved. A house can be rebuilt, but life is given only once.” Humanitarian organizations and local political groups have stepped in to provide food, tents, and other emergency assistance, but the scale of the crisis challenges relief efforts.
The floods have not only displaced humans but have also devastated agricultural lands, undermining the livelihoods of many. The flooding also echoes the catastrophic floods of 2022 that struck Sindh province severely, where over 100,000 people have already been relocated from vulnerable locations in anticipation of downstream water flow from Punjab.
Experts warn that the flooding crisis in Pakistan is exacerbated by climate change, along with geopolitical tensions that complicate transboundary water management with India, from where dam water releases have further swollen Pakistan’s rivers.
Looking ahead, the government and relief agencies face the dual challenges of continuing rescue operations while preparing for possible new waves of flooding in the coming weeks. There is an urgent need for coordinated flood management, enhanced early-warning systems, and recovery plans to support millions displaced and prevent further loss of life.
This ongoing disaster highlights the increasing vulnerability of Pakistan’s flood-prone regions to extreme weather events intensified by climate variability, underlining the critical importance of resilience-building and regional cooperation to mitigate future impacts.
