23 dead as Pakistan’s Punjab faces historic floods, two million affected

At least 23 people have died in the past 24 hours in Punjab province, Pakistan, after heavy monsoon rains triggered severe flooding, officials said.

Authorities warned that further heavy rainfall is expected in Islamabad and various regions of Punjab from September 1 to 3, increasing the risk of additional flooding.

Punjab Senior Minister Maryam Aurangzeb said the floods have affected around two million people in the province, describing it as “the largest flood disaster in Punjab’s history.” She noted that water levels have risen to unprecedented heights in the region. Nationwide, more than 800 people have died in floods since June 26.

Authorities have declared widespread evacuations, setting up relief camps in schools, police stations, and other public buildings. Residents are using boats to reach safety as river levels rise in the Sutlej, Chenab, and Ravi rivers.

Abnormal rainfall, combined with cross-border water releases from India, has intensified the flooding. In Multan, authorities have installed explosives at key embankments to redirect water, while drones monitor vulnerable areas. NDMA officials continue urging residents to move to government-run shelters.

Climate change has worsened monsoon patterns across South Asia, with Pakistan particularly vulnerable. The northern Gilgit-Baltistan region has experienced extreme heat above 48 degrees Celsius, accelerating glacial melting and heightening flood risks, including potential Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs).

Pakistan has faced repeated climate disasters, including the 2022 floods that killed nearly 1,700 people and displaced more than 30 million, causing billions in economic losses. Experts say poor urban planning and informal settlements near riverbeds have worsened the impact of recent floods.

The NDMA reported that more than 120 people, including 63 children, have died in climate-related incidents across the country since June 26, primarily from house collapses and flash floods. Authorities continue monitoring conditions, issuing early warnings, and pre-positioning relief supplies.

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