A major rescue and evacuation operation is underway in Pakistan's Punjab province after catastrophic monsoon flooding submerged vast areas, forcing thousands of residents to flee their homes.
The provincial disaster management authority has declared a state of emergency as relentless torrential rains continue to batter the region, causing rivers to burst their banks and overwhelm drainage systems.
Widespread Damage and Government Response
Official reports confirm extensive damage to infrastructure, with numerous roads and bridges rendered impassable, severely hampering rescue efforts. Critical facilities, including schools and hospitals, have also been impacted, disrupting essential services.
In response, authorities have mobilised disaster response teams and the military to lead evacuation missions in the hardest-hit districts. Relief camps have been hastily established to provide shelter, food, and medical aid to those displaced by the rising waters.
A Recurring Climate Nightmare
This disaster echoes the devastating 2022 floods that submerged a third of the country, highlighting Pakistan's acute vulnerability to climate change-induced extreme weather. Despite being responsible for less than 1% of global greenhouse gas emissions, the nation frequently bears the brunt of such climate-related catastrophes.
Meteorologists warn that the current monsoon system shows no immediate signs of abating, raising fears of further flooding and landslides in the coming days. The situation remains fluid, with officials urging residents in low-lying areas to move to higher ground immediately.
The international community is monitoring the situation closely, with aid agencies likely to launch appeals for assistance as the full scale of the destruction becomes clear.
