Over 174,000 Evacuated as River Sutlej Floods Break Records in Punjab
Pakistan, August 26, 2025 –
Heavy monsoon rains have caused devastating floods across Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Gilgit-Baltistan, forcing the relocation of over 174,000 people in Punjab alone. The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) reported a nationwide death toll of 802, with 1,088 injured and nearly 7,465 homes damaged.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) has recorded the highest fatalities at 479, followed by Punjab (165) and Gilgit-Baltistan (45). The floods have destroyed homes, crops, and infrastructure, with Sialkot breaking an 11-year rainfall record after receiving 335 millimetres in 24 hours.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif chaired a high-level meeting, directing authorities to accelerate rescue operations and ensure timely provision of food, medicine, and tents. NDMA and Punjab PDMA teams are working to evacuate residents from flood-hit districts along the Sutlej, Ravi, and Chenab rivers.
The flooding worsened after cross-border water releases from India, raising river levels and causing breaches in Narowal, Sialkot, and Shakargarh. Rescue teams continue to use boats to move stranded residents while repair work is underway on submerged roads in Gilgit-Baltistan.
Tragic losses include entire families swept away in Chagharzai and Shangla, as well as damage to cultural sites, such as the Sikh cremation ground in Buner.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif emphasized that Pakistan is among the countries most affected by climate change, calling for coordinated global action. NDMA has warned that the eighth spell of monsoon rains is expected to begin tomorrow, urging citizens to stay alert and follow safety instructions.
