According to reports, the land connection of more than five areas of Kot Addu with surrounding regions has been cut off. The main road linking over 50,000 residents to the city has also been washed away. Locals are reportedly migrating on a self-help basis, while authorities have launched rescue operations to assist the displaced families.

Experts say the catastrophic floods reinforce the severe effects of climate change on Pakistan. Heavy rains have already resulted in serious loss of life and property in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa s mountainous areas. Relief operations are still under way, but washed away roads and destroyed bridges are still hindering rescue efforts.

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In the meantime, the prevailing monsoon rains are also hitting Punjab s northern and central regions. The Ravi and Sutlej rivers — which are normally tranquil for most of the year — have swollen into perilous flood levels, submerging villages in Bahawalnagar, Muzaffargarh, and Kasur.

Floodwaters have inundated crops that were standing and entered urban areas. In Kasur, the Sutlej River has devastated acres of land, while the Ravi has inflicted extensive damage on factories and houses constructed along its river course.