Drones deployed by Pakistani rescuers aid in evacuating thousands during the flood disaster in Punjab
In the heart of South Asia, Pakistan is currently grappling with a devastating flood crisis. Over the past few weeks, the country has been hit by heavier-than-normal monsoon rains, exacerbated by cross-border waters released from India's swollen rivers and dams last week.
The floods have led to the evacuation of more than 900,000 people from their homes in Punjab, according to officials. Alongside these evacuees, over 600,000 farm animals have been moved to safety. However, the situation on the ground remains dire for many displaced families.
Reports suggest that thousands of people are living without tents or food, with complaints of being abandoned by authorities. Despite setting up over 1,000 relief camps, only about 36,550 evacuees are housed in them.
The floodwaters have swamped several districts, including Narowal, Sialkot, Kasur, Jhang, and Multan, and entire villages have been submerged. In Multan, Jhang, and other districts, drones have been deployed this week to aid in the rescue operation.
Haleema Bibi, a displaced resident, shared her heart-wrenching story, stating that everything she had is gone in the flood. The deluge has left a trail of destruction, with the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) in Pakistan using drone technology to search for people stranded on rooftops while the rescue operation expands in the affected districts.
The Pakistan Meteorological Department has warned of more heavy rain in Punjab's flood-hit districts and elsewhere in the country. As the monsoon season typically lasts until the end of September, the future remains uncertain for those affected by the flooding.
Meanwhile, India has also been affected by the rains. At least five people were killed in landslides triggered by torrential rain in northern Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh states. Rains also lashed several parts of India's Punjab state that borders Pakistan, prompting authorities to shut schools and colleges until Wednesday.
Notably, India had alerted Pakistan about the water release from its rivers, marking the rivals' first public diplomatic contact since a military crisis brought them to the brink of war in May. In southern Sindh province, Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah has warned of a possible "super flood" of the Indus River.
As the flood crisis continues, international aid and support are crucial to helping Pakistan recover and rebuild. The resilience of the affected communities and the spirit of solidarity among the responders offer a glimmer of hope amidst the chaos.
