ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Punjab province is confronting a severe flood emergency, with authorities evacuating over 32,500 people from areas along the Chenab, Ravi, and Sutlej rivers.

The rivers are facing “exceptionally high” floods due to heavy monsoon rains and India’s decision to release water from its dams.

The Punjab government has deployed the army in eight districts to assist civil authorities with ongoing rescue and relief operations.

The unprecedented situation has placed thousands of citizens at risk, with multiple headworks now at “exceptionally high flood” levels.

The city of Sialkot, for instance, has already broken a 49-year rainfall record, with a record 363.5 millimeters of rain falling in a 24-hour period. This deluge, combined with the water released from India, has overwhelmed river systems.

Authorities are working alongside the army and Rescue 1122 to safely evacuate residents.

Looking ahead, the crisis is expected to worsen as the Pakistan Meteorological Department has issued a warning that the Indus River is expected to reach “very high” flood levels in Sindh province on September 4 and 5.

This forecast underscores the ongoing threat of the water flowing downstream, as officials remain on the ground to ensure the safety of residents.