More than 1 Million People Evacuated Due to Floods in Pakistan

The toll in Pakistan is worsening due to the monsoon rains that have continued since June 26. More than 1 million people have been evacuated from Punjab province, which was hit hardest by the heavy rains and flooding. The worst flooding in the province in 40 years has damaged hundreds of villages and submerged vital grain crops.

According to a statement from Pakistan's National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA), the death toll across the country has risen to 823. One of the largest evacuation operations in recent years has been launched in Punjab, Pakistan's most populous province with a population of 240 million, as floodwaters are expected to affect half of the province and the Chenap River is expected to reach dangerous levels at the Trimmu Dam.

Authorities warned the public that the rainfall will intensify in the coming days. The rain is expected to continue until September 10.

India, which also releases water when its dams are full, sent three flood warnings to Pakistan this week, describing them as a “humanitarian measure.”

Both countries are grappling with the intense monsoon season, which has caused flash floods. At least 60 people have died this month in Kashmir, India, which has been hit by heavy rains, while the death toll in Pakistan has reached 823 since the end of June.

Pakistan has been in the news for devastating floods in recent years. The 2022 disaster claimed more than 1,700 lives. Experts emphasize that the intensity of monsoon rains is increasing each year due to climate change.