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Pakistan Grapples with Widespread Flood Havoc as Rescue & Relief Operations Intensify
Lead (Most Critical Info First):
Over 4.2 million people across Punjab have been affected by catastrophic flooding, with more than 100 lives lost in the province alone. Thousands have been evacuated from low-lying regions, even as federal and provincial governments, accompanied by the army, press into flood-relief operations. The Sindh government is also working urgently to strengthen barrage capacity and reinforce embankments in anticipation of worsening flood levels.
The Pakistan Meteorological Department predicts that high flood levels will persist at Sukkur Barrage over the next several days.
In Punjab, over 4,447 villages have reported flood damage. Relief camps, power restoration, and healthcare interventions are being rapidly deployed.
Sindh’s PDMA reports nearly half-a-million livestock rescued and many thousands receiving medical treatment in camps.
Ministries are also coordinating longer-term responses: talks are underway to strengthen Sukkur Barrage’s capacity, reinforce fragile embankments, and launch a comprehensive climate action plan.
The floods are driven by heavy monsoon rains and riverine swellings that have breached or threatened low embankments and barrages.
Economic damage is mounting — crop zones (including cotton) are under threat, infrastructure like roads and electricity feeders are damaged, and health risks (including for children) are rising.
Authorities warn that unless the rainfall subsides, or unless protective measures are reinforced, the crisis may worsen in Sindh and downstream districts.
