Severe floods have devastated Pakistan’s Punjab province, claiming at least 63 lives in just 24 hours, and bringing the staggering death toll to 180 over the past three weeks. As relentless monsoon rains hammer the region, the destruction is widespread, with over 500 people reported injured and countless homes swept away or severely damaged.
In Chakwal district, where more than 400 millimeters of rain fell in a mere 10 hours, the situation is dire. Small dams have collapsed, rivers are overflowing, and agricultural lands are submerged, leaving communities grappling with the aftermath of this natural disaster. Emergency services are on high alert, with the military deploying helicopters to rescue those trapped by rising waters.
This catastrophic flooding is not an isolated incident; Pakistan has faced severe floods in previous years, and experts warn that the frequency of extreme weather events is likely to increase in the future. The current monsoon season, affecting not just Punjab but also Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and northern regions, has already proven to be one of the most destructive in recent memory.
Authorities are scrambling to respond to the crisis, declaring a state of emergency as they work to provide aid and shelter to the thousands displaced by the floods. The urgency of the situation cannot be overstated, with lives hanging in the balance and communities in desperate need of assistance. As the rains continue to pour, the need for immediate action is critical to prevent further loss of life and to begin the arduous process of recovery. Stay tuned as we continue to cover this unfolding tragedy.