Punjab Floods: Thousands Suffer as Villages Go Underwater
Punjab Under Water
Punjab is experiencing one of the worst floods in years. The Ravi, Sutlej, and Chenab rivers have overflowed due to heavy rains and additional water from India. As a result, entire villages, fields, roads, and even railway tracks are submerged underwater.
Over 600,000 have been impacted. Families were forced to evacuate their homes, and they are currently staying in relief camps organized by the government. Unfortunately, a minimum of 15 individuals have lost their lives in various districts.
Key Takeaways
- Punjab is experiencing record flooding, uprooting hundreds of thousands.
- Narowal district was the hardest hit, with entire road networks severed.
- Religious sites such as Kartarpur Sahib were also submerged.
- Relief efforts are in progress, but the extent of the disaster is too much to cope with.
- The only fear left is that South Punjab may be the next to suffer at the hands of floodwaters
Narowal Hit the Hardest
Narowal was hit the hardest. The Ravi River had more water than it could handle, and it broke its banks.
145 villages are submerged.
Water entered homes, rising to 3–4 feet.
Roads and bridges were washed away, isolating many areas.
The railway track of Narowal–Sialkot was swept away, and train operation came to a halt.
Individuals were sitting on the roofs of their houses, expecting rescue. Rescue 1122 and Rangers rescued over 1,300 individuals, but numerous families are trapped.
Kartarpur Sahib Submerged
Even the Kartarpur Sahib Gurdwara was flooded. Over 150 Sikh pilgrims and employees got stuck in it. Fortunately, rescue teams were able to rescue them and shift them to safety.
Everyday Life Destroyed
- For the villagers, life has been turned around:
- Crops and animals got drowned.
- Food and clean water are in short supply.
- Most families fled with nothing but what they were wearing.
One family informed reporters that they had been waiting for five hours to be rescued after calling up rescue teams. This indicates how enormous and daunting the tragedy is.
Relief Work
The government has established scores of relief and medical camps. Food, water, medicines, and shelter are being distributed. Even pets are being treated in special camps.
Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has stated that over Rs 900 million have been distributed for emergency assistance. The army, police, Rescue 1122, and local authorities are all coordinating.
Federal Minister Ahsan Iqbal also came to Narowal to see the affected family.
What’s Next?
Authorities forewarn that the water will shortly start flowing toward South Punjab, threatening districts of Bahawalpur and Multan. Although in some rivers water levels are decreasing, the threat is still not over.
Final Thoughts
This flood isn’t about numbers. It’s about parents losing their homes, children crying for food, and farmers seeing their fields get underwater. Punjab hurts, and people are waiting for the government and rescue forces to help them survive.
Currently, the greatest need is assistance, unity, and support for those who have lost everything.
