Pakistani authorities have evacuated more than 150,000 people from flood-prone areas of Punjab province following a warning from India about the release of excess water from one of its dams, officials confirmed on Wednesday.
Heavy monsoon rains in recent weeks have already swollen rivers across northern Pakistan, raising water levels to dangerous heights. Officials warned that the additional discharge from India could inundate vast areas of Punjab, where millions of people live along major waterways.
A spokesperson for the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) said evacuation operations had been underway even before India issued its latest alert. “The evacuation numbers include approximately 35,000 residents who left voluntarily after earlier warnings,” the spokesperson explained. “Our operations are continuing, and army personnel are assisting with moving people to safer areas.”
The evacuations have centered on settlements along the Ravi, Sutlej, and Chenab rivers, all of which are experiencing moderate to heavy flooding. Authorities fear that continued downpours in Punjab and Pakistan-administered Kashmir over the next several days could further strain already swollen rivers, increasing the risk of widespread flooding.
Floods have long been a recurring challenge in Pakistan during the summer monsoon season, but this year’s rains have been particularly destructive. Officials say the combined impact of local rainfall and water released from across the border has created one of the most precarious flood situations in recent years.
Punjab, the country’s most populous province and its agricultural heartland, is especially vulnerable to river flooding. Authorities have set up relief camps to accommodate displaced residents, while medical teams and emergency supplies are being dispatched to affected districts.
Local media reported that many evacuees left their homes reluctantly, fearing damage or theft of their property. However, officials have urged residents to prioritise their safety as water levels continue to rise.
The latest crisis underscores the fragile nature of water management in the region, where rivers often cross international boundaries. While Pakistan and India share a water treaty governing the use of rivers flowing through both countries, the release of excess water during heavy rains remains a sensitive issue, frequently raising tensions during monsoon seasons.
Authorities have urged the public to remain vigilant and follow evacuation advisories as conditions evolve. With forecasts predicting further heavy rains, officials warned that the full extent of the flooding may not yet be clear.
For now, tens of thousands of displaced families face an uncertain future, waiting to return home once the waters recede. Relief agencies have pledged to continue providing food, shelter, and medical aid as Pakistan braces for further monsoon challenges in the days ahead.
