Over 20,000 people have been evacuated from flood-ravaged districts in Pakistan’s Punjab province in the past 24 hours, as torrential rains and surging river levels threaten further devastation, officials reported on Sunday. The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) has declared a high alert, with a fresh monsoon spell forecast to intensify until August 27, raising fears of widespread flooding across multiple regions.

Farooq Ahmad, spokesperson for Punjab Emergency Services Rescue 1122, confirmed that residents from Kasur, Okara, Pakpattan, Bahawalnagar, and Vehari were relocated to safety after floodwaters submerged several villages near the Indus, Chenab, Ravi, Sutlej, and Jhelum rivers. “The evacuation of populations in the riverbeds of the Sutlej and Ravi has been completed,” Ahmad stated, emphasizing ongoing efforts in high-risk areas like Jalalpur Pirwala.

The Sutlej River at Ganda Singh Wala is at a critical high flood level, with a dangerous flow of 129,866 cusecs, expected to persist for the next 48 hours. The PDMA also reported medium-level flooding at Taunsa Barrage on the Indus, with Tarbela Dam at full capacity and Mangla Dam at 74%, raising concerns about potential water releases into already swollen rivers.

Also Read: Deadly Rains Claim Over 150 Lives in Pakistan, PoK

PDMA Director General Irfan Ali Kathia urged citizens to cooperate with rescue teams and avoid recreational activities near rivers and canals, warning of flash flood risks. Relief camps, equipped with medicines and vaccines, are operational across the province. Social media posts on X highlighted the crisis, with users like @jsk24324645 reporting over 100,000 acres of farmland underwater and villages cut off in Fazilka, Ferozepur, and Tarn Taran.

Also Read: Panic on Denver Runway: Jet Fire Sparks Evacuation