Massive Flooding in Pakistan Forces Evacuation of Over 100,000 People
Nearly 100,000 people have been evacuated in Pakistan's Punjab province after the Sutlej River burst its banks, inundating hundreds of villages and thousands of acres of land. Rescue boats have been used to collect stranded individuals, while others have waded through water or held belongings above their heads. The river level is at its highest in 35 years, and the flooding is believed to be caused by excess reservoir water released by Indian authorities due to monsoon rains. Pakistan has been monitoring the situation and had enough warning time to evacuate communities. The monsoon season brings vital rainfall but also leads to frequent evacuations and damage.