Rising Waters Inundate Villages
Severe flooding in Pakistan’s River Chenab has submerged dozens of villages in the Gujrat district of Punjab, forcing residents to flee their homes. Local reports confirm that floodwaters entered several settlements along the riverbanks after a powerful surge on Tuesday.
Witnesses say entire communities are now under water, with many families attempting to relocate to higher ground. Crops and livestock have also been swept away, compounding the losses faced by villagers.
Deputy Commissioner Requests Army Assistance
In response to the worsening situation, the Deputy Commissioner of Gujrat has formally requested air support from the Pakistan Army. This comes as the military has already been deployed in seven Punjab districts to tackle rising flood threats. The request seeks the deployment of helicopters to rescue stranded families from flood-hit areas where ground access is nearly impossible.
Local authorities say time is critical, as many villagers remain trapped on rooftops and in partially submerged homes. Without aerial evacuation, officials fear the risk of casualties could rise rapidly.
Rescue Efforts Underway
District administration teams, along with local rescue services, have been working since Monday night to move people to safety. However, the sheer scale of the flood has made relief operations difficult. Roads leading to several rural areas are either cut off or dangerously flooded, leaving emergency crews with limited options.
Rescue workers are using boats where possible, but the swift current of the River Chenab has slowed operations. Authorities report that safe relocation remains a major challenge, particularly for the elderly, women, and children.
Widespread Displacement
Hundreds of families have already moved to temporary shelters set up by the administration. Many others are seeking refuge with relatives in nearby towns. However, with more villages at risk, the number of displaced people is expected to rise.
Local farmers warn of devastating agricultural losses, as floodwaters continue to submerge standing crops of rice, sugarcane, and fodder. Livelihoods dependent on agriculture and livestock are likely to be severely affected.
Flooding in Punjab: A Recurring Challenge
Floods are a recurring crisis in Pakistan, particularly during the monsoon season. Punjab, home to major rivers including the Chenab, Ravi, and Sutlej, often experiences large-scale inundation between July and September.
According to the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), more than 170 people lost their lives in flood-related incidents across Pakistan during the 2022 monsoon season. Thousands of homes were damaged, and millions of acres of farmland were destroyed.
This year’s heavy rainfall has once again raised concerns about climate resilience and disaster preparedness. Experts warn that inadequate river embankments and poor drainage systems continue to put rural communities at risk.
Appeal for Urgent Relief
Officials in Gujrat are urging the federal and provincial governments to provide additional resources, including food supplies, tents, and medical aid. Humanitarian groups have also been asked to mobilize volunteers for relief distribution.
The Deputy Commissioner emphasized that protecting human lives remains the top priority. However, he admitted that without aerial support, many residents cannot be reached in time.
Next Steps
As the situation develops, authorities are closely monitoring water levels in the Chenab. If rains persist in the coming days, downstream districts may also face flooding threats.
For now, the focus remains on rescue operations and relocating affected families to safer locations. The army’s response to the call for helicopter assistance is expected to play a decisive role in the coming hours.
