Pakistan’s Punjab faces the biggest floods in its history, affecting 2 million people - yahoo

Pakistan’s Punjab faces the biggest floods in its history, affecting 2 million people - yahoo

Pakistan’s Punjab province is currently grappling with the worst floods in its history, displacing over 2 million people and causing extensive damage. The flooding, exacerbated by heavy rainfall and swollen rivers, has led to a massive rescue operation and significant economic disruption.

The latest floods have resulted in the deaths of over 800 people since June 26, with 195 fatalities in Punjab alone [1]. The Punjab Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) reported that 481,000 people have been evacuated, along with 405,000 livestock [1]. The regional government has initiated controlled breaches of key flood bunds to divert surging waters from the Chenab, Ravi, and Sutlej rivers, which have swollen to exceptionally high levels, affecting more than 2,300 villages [1].

The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) forecast new rounds of widespread rain, wind, and thunderstorms across multiple regions, indicating that the monsoon season is far from over. This latest spell of flooding has killed 30 people, with several hundred left dead throughout the season [1].

The economic impact of the floods is significant. The agriculture sector, a major contributor to Punjab’s economy, has been severely affected. Farmers have lost their crops and livestock, with many reporting that they have received no help from the government [1]. The floods have also disrupted infrastructure and transportation networks, leading to supply chain disruptions and increased costs for businesses.

The government has set up more than 500 relief camps to provide shelter to families and their livestock. However, the scale of the disaster has overwhelmed local resources, and international aid is being sought to support the relief efforts [1].

In addition to the immediate humanitarian crisis, the long-term economic implications of the floods are uncertain. The destruction of infrastructure and the loss of crops will likely lead to a decrease in agricultural productivity and increased poverty. The government will need to invest in reconstruction and recovery efforts to mitigate the economic impact of the floods.

References:
[1] https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/8/30/half-a-million-people-stranded-by-heavy-flooding-evacuated-in-pakistan
[2] https://www.arabnews.com/node/2613410/pakistan