Lahore, Aug 27 (PTI) Thousands across Pakistan's Punjab province have been evacuated as unprecedented floods wreak havoc, fueled by heavy rains and water released from India’s dams, officials reported on Wednesday. Both Pakistan and India are experiencing the intense impacts of monsoon rains and consequent flooding. Authorities have evacuated over 250,000 people from areas along the Chenab, Ravi, and Sutlej rivers, which are facing exceptionally high floods. Over 32,000 trapped individuals have been rescued by boats. India has fully opened the Thein Dam on the Ravi River, leading the Punjab administration to deploy the Pakistan Army to aid civil authorities in eight districts, including Lahore and Faisalabad. Another warning from India indicates imminent water releases from the Madhopur Dam. Flood warnings were initially communicated from India on humanitarian grounds, bypassing the usual Indus Water Commission after the treaty was placed in abeyance post the Pahalgam attack. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif convened an emergency meeting to assess the situation, urging improved early warning systems and accelerated relief operations. The floodwaters have inundated the Kartarpur Corridor complex, submerging the Gurdwara Darbar Sahib. Saifullah Khokar stated that over 100 individuals, mostly staff, were trapped and are being rescued by boats and helicopters. Social media shows the revered Sikh shrine under floodwaters. Minister of State for Interfaith Harmony Khel Das Kohistani assured that efforts are underway to rescue those at the corridor. The corridor, opened in 2019, links the Gurdwara Darbar Sahib to Dera Baba Nanak, offering visa-free access for Indian pilgrims. According to the Pakistan Meteorological Department, 804 people have died since the monsoon began in late June, with significant damage to housing and livestock. The PDMA warns of exceptionally high flood conditions at several river sites, with Qadirabad and Khanki’s outflows reported at rising levels. Marala Headworks is also under high flood alert. The Indus River and parts of Sutlej River witness lower flood levels, though caution is advised. The government has evacuated 25,000 from the Chenab and Ravi floodplains, marking a situation not seen in nearly four decades.
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