Jalalpur Pirwala, Pakistan, Sep 8 (AP) Rescuers, with the support of troops, have successfully evacuated over 25,000 people from a city in Pakistan's eastern Punjab province as surging rivers pose a severe flooding threat, officials reported on Monday.
The emergency operation in Jalalpur Pirwala commenced late Sunday, continuing through the night, according to Irfan Ali Kathia, the director-general of the Punjab Disaster Management Authority. By Monday morning, approximately 25,000 residents from high-risk areas had been safely moved.
This latest mass evacuation follows a tragic incident two days prior when a rescue boat capsized in floodwaters on the city's outskirts, resulting in five fatalities. Local officials reported that fifteen others were rescued when the boat overturned on Saturday.
Ghulam Shabir, a 50-year-old construction worker, recounted moving to higher ground near the city after floodwaters inundated his village, affecting homes and farmland. He urged the government to accelerate rescue operations as many people remain trapped in flooded areas.
The government has mobilized hundreds of boats, thousands of rescuers, and volunteers for evacuation efforts in districts ravaged by floods. The Pakistan Markazi Muslim League, a volunteer group known for its quick response during natural disasters, is actively participating, with members deployed nationwide. The group's spokesperson, Taha Muneeb, reported that floodwaters had already submerged all villages surrounding Jalalpur Pirwala, with the city also experiencing flooding.
"Many residents refuse to evacuate, preferring to stay on their rooftops rather than sit helpless by the roadside," he stated.
Survivors shared that numerous people remain stranded on rooftops and trees. "I personally witnessed individuals perched on tree branches, half-submerged in floodwaters," reported Taj Din, one of the dozen evacuees rescued by boat.
Punjab government spokesperson Uzma Bukhari stated that they are utilizing thermal imaging drones to locate individuals stranded in flooded areas, enabling their rescue by boat. She assured that "the government is doing its utmost to manage the situation." While Pakistan has not issued a formal request for assistance, the Saudi government delivered 10,000 food packages and shelter kits to Punjab for affected families. This aid comes shortly after Washington sent emergency supplies to aid Pakistan's flood victims.
Floods have impacted over 4.1 million people across 4,100 villages in 25 districts of Punjab province. Since August 26, at least 56 flood-related fatalities have been reported, with more than 2 million residents evacuated to safety, shared Kathia.
The disaster management official informed The Associated Press that displaced families are receiving tents and food supplies. The local administration, along with troops and police, is expediting evacuations in the city, which has nearly 700,000 residents. Mosques have been broadcasting evacuation notices as residents hurriedly board vehicles amidst heavy rainfall.
Punjab is undertaking one of its largest rescue operations, employing drones, since the previous month when floods inundated numerous districts following India's release of water from its dams, causing significant surges in the Ravi, Chenab, and Sutlej rivers amid torrential monsoon rains.
Kathia stated that Punjab's chief minister, Maryam Nawaz Sharif, is personally monitoring the evacuation efforts from a central control room. The Pakistani army, police, and rescue services are providing substantial aid, including helicopter airlifts from remote villages.
Since late June, monsoon flooding has resulted in over 900 deaths across Pakistan, as reported by the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA).
Kathia highlighted that the surging floodwaters have already displaced more than 2 million individuals in Punjab since August 23, following heavy rains and the release of dam water. While about 60,000 are residing in official relief camps, most have sought refuge with relatives in nearby towns or established makeshift camps along riverbanks, awaiting the recession of the waters.
Evacuations are also ongoing in southern Sindh province, with increasing threats as water continues to flow downstream through the Indus River. Over 100,000 people have already been relocated from vulnerable areas.
Sindh was among the hardest hit regions during the catastrophic 2022 floods, which resulted in 1,739 fatalities nationwide. (AP) RD RD
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