News Update:
In eastern Punjab, Pakistan, a rescue mission turned deadly when a boat capsized while evacuating flood-affected villagers, officials confirmed on Friday. Reuters
The incident occurred near Multan, where heavy monsoon rains and swollen rivers have devastated large swaths of the province. The rescue boat was transporting 24 people from inundated areas when it overturned; 9 people lost their lives, while 15 survived after being safely rescued from the water. Reuters
Authorities cited a disturbing trend: residents in rural areas are refusing to evacuate unless they can keep their livestock—cows, goats, and others— which are often their main source of income. This resistance is hampering relief operations. Reuters
Since late June, Pakistan has reported nearly 1,000 flood-related deaths across the country. In Punjab alone, over 4.4 million people have been affected, more than 4,500 villages submerged, and roughly 2.4 million evacuated. Reuters
Worst-Case Narrowly Avoided: Punjab Town Spared, Villages Still Drowning After Boat Tragedy
Heavy floods continue to wreak havoc in Punjab, Pakistan: while water levels have begun to recede in one major town, nearby areas are still being devastated. Two recent reports — one about a capsized rescue boat and another about rising waters in villages — together paint a picture of escalating risk and resilient efforts amid crisis.
What’s happening
- In eastern Punjab, floodwaters that nearly submerged Jalalpur Pirwala are now dropping. Authorities believe water levels there will fall substantially over the next 48 hours. AP News
- Meanwhile, Shujaabad and Liaquatpur are under new threats: swollen rivers from the Sutlej and Chenab have engulfed surrounding villages, forcing emergency evacuations. AP News
- The disaster has displaced around 2.4 million people across Punjab, with over 4,000 villages affected. AP News
- In a separate but related incident, a rescue boat capsized while evacuating flood‐victims in the flood-hit districts. At least nine people died. AP News+3AP News+3AP News+3
Human Stories & Government Response
- Displaced families are asking that they be allowed to keep their tents even after floodwaters recede, as many homes are severely damaged or destroyed. AP News
- Shortages of basic supplies—especially clothing, medical aid, and food—are creating additional hardship. People have fled with only what they could carry. One woman, Naseem Mai, said, “I never thought the water would inundate my village … We escaped with only the clothes we were wearing.” AP News
- The Punjab Chief Minister, Maryam Nawaz Sharif, has ordered that life jackets and life rings be made mandatory in all rescue operations following boat-accidents. She is also overseeing relief operations personally. AP News
Outlook
- Authorities expect that flooding in Jalalpur Pirwala will ease significantly within 48 hours, giving residents hope of returning. However, they warn that danger is not over yet in villages still under water. AP News
- With rivers still swollen and more rainfall possible, there is a genuine risk of further evacuations. Relief operations remain active. AP News
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