Pakistan evacuates over 210,000 amid flood crisis

Authorities and the military in Pakistan have evacuated at least 210,000 residents from flood-affected areas across Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, and Gilgit-Baltistan.

According to Dawn, the announcement was made during a joint press conference by Pakistan’s Information Minister Attaullah Tarar, National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) head Inam Haider, and Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) chief Ahmed Shareef Chaudhry.

The officials stated that rescue operations have saved 28,000 people, while around 210,000 have been “safely evacuated from flood-hit regions.” Two military personnel have lost their lives while assisting local residents.

In the affected areas, 29 medical camps have been established, with over 20,700 people receiving essential aid. Authorities have also distributed 225 tonnes of food supplies among those impacted.

According to the NDMA, heavy monsoon rains and subsequent flooding since June 26 have killed at least 804 people and injured a further 1,088 across the country.

By Aghakazim Guliyev