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Pakistan Floods: Over 4 million Displaced as monsoon Rains Trigger Humanitarian Crisis
As of September 13, 2023, devastating floods across Pakistan have impacted over 4.2 million people, displacing 2.1 million and claiming at least 68 lives. Rescue efforts are underway to evacuate thousands from flooded villages near Jalalpur Pirwala in eastern Pakistan, but the scale of the disaster is overwhelming local resources.
rescuers, supported by the military, have been racing against time to reach those stranded in the wake of heavier-than-normal monsoon rains and the release of water from overflowing Indian dams. The flooding, which began intensifying around August 23, has submerged approximately 4,000 villages across the Punjab province. Many residents have sought refuge with relatives, while others are enduring desperate conditions on embankments and in makeshift relief camps.
On Wednesday, rescue crews navigated the submerged landscape in boats, pulling individuals from trees and rooftops. However, reports emerged of a stark disparity in access to aid, with “those who coudl pay owners of private boats have already left the village,” according to one survivor at a relief camp. This highlights the growing concern that the most vulnerable populations are being left behind.
The situation is particularly dire in Jalalpur Pirwala, situated at the confluence of the Chenab and Sutlej rivers. Authorities are working to reinforce embankments in a desperate attempt to protect the city of 700,000, acknowledging that a breach could put hundreds of thousands of lives at risk. The Ravi, Chenab, and Sutlej rivers are all currently experiencing high flood levels, reaching the official danger mark, according to the Pakistan Meteorological Department.
Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif visited Jalalpur Pirwala on Wednesday and pledged compensation to those who have lost loved ones, homes, and livestock. She publicly vowed to “fulfill every promise” made to the affected communities. Concurrently,flooding has begun to impact Karachi,the capital of southern Sindh province,with officials warning of further downstream damage as swollen rivers continue to flow south.
The humanitarian crisis is compounded by critical shortages of essential supplies. “I paid money to use a private boat to leave my village,” a survivor named Bilal Ahmed shared, adding that food supplies are scarce, and displaced families are receiving only one meal per day. At roadside tents, families are waiting for assistance, with children crying and women offering prayers for the waters to recede.
The emotional toll of the disaster is immense. Muhammad Arshad, visibly distraught, recounted his desperate search for his wife and children, stating, “My wife and children are still trapped in our flooded home…For three days, I waited for a boat. Today is my first chance to see them.” Saima hussain, 35, who escaped with her baby, described a harrowing scene: “I saw rescuers pulling a woman’s body from the water…Her baby was still alive, clinging to her chest.” She added, “God saved us, but we need help as we are now fighting hunger.”
Irfan Ali Kathia, director general of the provincial disaster management authority, expressed confidence that Jalalpur Pirwala would be saved, noting that additional rescue boats had been dispatched. However, he also placed some blame on villagers for allegedly ignoring repeated warnings. Despite this, an Associated Press reporter observed families standing knee-deep in muddy water, still awaiting rescue.
