Punjab Floods Affect Over 2 Million, Worst in Pakistan History

Pakistan’s Punjab province is experiencing the worst flooding in its recorded history, with over two million people affected and more than 1,400 villages submerged after three major rivers—Sutlej, Chenab, and Ravi—overflowed due to intense monsoon rains and water releases from Indian dams. The flooding has caused widespread devastation, displacing hundreds of thousands who are being evacuated to relief camps and temporary shelters, while stagnant waters pose serious health risks. Officials describe the current flood as the largest Punjab has ever faced, with emergency operations underway to rescue residents and provide aid. The heavy rains exacerbated by climate change, combined with water release from India, have heightened tensions, although India issued a rare flood alert to Pakistan last week. Punjab’s agricultural output, vital for the country’s food security, is at risk of severe damage reminiscent of the 2022 floods. The crisis highlights Pakistan’s vulnerability to extreme weather events despite its minimal contribution to global greenhouse gas emissions.