Torrential rains in Pakistan's Punjab province have caused the largest flood in history, placing approximately 2 million individuals in jeopardy.
In the eastern Punjab province of Pakistan, a historic flood is causing widespread destruction and displacement. The flood, caused by record-high water levels in the rivers Sutlej, Chenab, and Ravi, has affected over 2 million people and resulted in the loss of 849 lives and 1,130 injuries nationwide since June 26, according to Pakistan's disaster management authority.
Emaan Fatima, a resident of the affected area, has sought shelter due to fear for her home and the well-being of her family. She has gone to a government-run camp after water surrounded her home, and her animals are starving as she is not getting food elsewhere.
Pakistan received 26.5% more monsoon rain between July 1 and Aug. 27 compared to the same period last year, leading to the biggest flood in the province's history. The senior minister for the province, Maryam Aurangzeb, stated this at a press conference on Sunday.
Punjab, home to 150 million people, is a vital part of Pakistan's agricultural sector and is Pakistan's main wheat producer. The chief minister of southern Sindh province, Murad Ali Shah, has instructed the Irrigation Department to prepare for a "super flood" at barrages. A "super flood" is defined as when the water level exceeds 900,000 cusec (cubic foot per second), according to Murad Ali Shah.
To divert water away from the city of Multan, authorities have installed explosives at five key embankments. Local authorities are also evacuating people and using educational institutions, police, and security facilities as rescue camps.
The Republic of Turkey is currently providing assistance for the victims of the severe flood disaster in Pakistan's eastern Punjab province. India had alerted Pakistan to the possibility of cross-border flooding last week.
Murad Ali Shah expresses concern for saving human lives and livestock during the potential flood. The ferocious flooding in 2022 wiped out huge swathes of crops in the east and south of the country.
This report includes contributions from Associated Press writer Asim Tanveer in Multan, Pakistan.
