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Thousands Displaced as Indus River Floods Ravage Punjab Districts
21 Aug
Summary
- Thousands of villagers forced to evacuate homes as Indus River floods
- Severe damage to crops and livestock, leaving displaced families struggling
- PDMA issues red alert, warns of continued heavy rains and rising river levels
As of August 21st, 2025, thousands of villagers in the low-lying areas of Layyah, Taunsa, Dera Ghazi Khan, Rajanpur, and Muzaffargarh districts in Punjab have been compelled to leave their homes due to the rising levels of the Indus River. Heavy rains over the past week have caused the river to swell, washing away all the protective guide bunds and dykes constructed to support the Layyah-Taunsa Bridge.
The devastating floods have destroyed earthen homes and agricultural fields in several villages, leaving families displaced and without shelter. Many residents are struggling to save their livestock as the floodwaters continue to rise. Entire villages, such as Bait Lakho, Jarh Leghari, and Basti Habib in Taunsa, have been submerged, with houses reduced to rubble. Thousands of acres of crops, including cotton, sesame, and mung beans, have been entirely ruined, leaving the displaced population without any means of livelihood.
In response to the worsening situation, the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) has issued a red alert across Punjab. With heavy rains expected to continue until August 24th, the authorities have directed all district administrations to remain on high alert and urged citizens to exercise extreme caution, particularly around rainwater drains, low-lying areas, rivers, and canals.
