Thousands Displaced in Punjab, Pakistan, Amidst Flooding from Intense Rainfall

The province of Punjab in Pakistan is grappling with a severe crisis following heavy and persistent rainfall, causing significant disruptions. An alert has been issued by the administration, warning of continued rainfall for the next 48 hours. Roughly 20,000 people have been moved to safety in the last day. These evacuations primarily involve residents of districts impacted by rising river levels, including those near the Indus, Chenab, Ravi, Sutlej, and Jhelum rivers. Significant flooding has been reported in several villages across Kasur, Okara, Pakpattan, Bahawalnagar, and Vehari. Authorities have issued high alerts in these regions, and relief camps are providing essential aid. The public is instructed to avoid the rivers and to use the helpline 1129 for emergencies. The PDMA is conducting emergency operations across various districts, anticipating the monsoon to remain active until August 27. The conditions in Ganda Singh Wala are precarious, with the Sutlej River surpassing the danger level. Thousands are facing displacement, and the administration is working to provide essential support in the relief camps. Separately, a glacial lake outburst flood in Gilgit-Baltistan has compounded the crisis, displacing over 3,000 residents of the Talidas village in the Ghizer district. This event marks the largest glacial disaster in Pakistan since 2010.