Rising river levels along Pakistan's eastern border with India have displaced thousands of residents as the country grapples with a spate of deadly flooding, with authorities warning more areas could be at risk. Since the start of the monsoon season in late June, over 800 people have died and many more have been injured in rain-related incidents, according to data from the country's National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA).
Officials in Punjab say water levels at the border-crossing village of Ganda Singh Wala are at their highest level in decades. Pakistan said this came following the sudden release of water from an Indian barrage without sufficient warning, while India insists heavy monsoon rains are to blame and says alerts were issued in advance.
In Pakistan's eastern Punjab province, the Sutlej River has swallowed up entire villages, forcing thousands to flee their homes. For 80-year-old Muhammad Nawaz, this is not the first time his family has had to leave everything behind.
"We left with nothing again. The first time was three months ago. Now, the water has taken our home," he said.
Nawaz's family had already faced upheaval this year after a flare-up in cross-border tensions between Pakistan and India forced them to seek safety back in May.
Now, floodwaters have surged into their village as the swollen Sutlej River threatens to destroy all their possessions.
"We don't know where we'll go or when we'll come back. Everything we built is underwater," said Sardara Bibi, Nawaz's wife.
Rescue teams have been working around the clock to ferry families to safety. But many, reluctant to leave behind their livestock and belongings, waited until the last moment.
The government even went as far as rescuing their animals in special ferries, ensuring families wouldn't lose everything they depend on.
"We fear thieves, we don't want to abandon our animals. The water is rising fast, There are about 300 villages in this area," said Nawaz.
Thousands flee homes as river levels rise in Pakistan's Punjab province
