War then water: Pakistan villagers face back-to-back evacuations

Post by : Monika

Photo: Reuters

In the eastern region of Pakistan near the border with India, villagers are facing what feels like a never-ending crisis. On August 30, 2025, first they had to run from fighting, and now they are fleeing once more—this time from rising floodwaters.

Earlier this year, clashes broke out between Indian and Pakistani forces. Villagers like Shama, a 30-year-old mother, had to leave their homes to stay safe. Now floodwaters are sweeping through, forcing them to pack up all over again—even while still holding onto the shock of the first evacuation.

Why Are People Fleeing Again?

A sudden break in a barrage (a kind of dam) on the Sutlej River caused massive flooding in Punjab’s Kasur district. The waters poured in from across the border in India, spreading across farmlands and homes. Rescue workers are racing to get people to safety—but many villagers fear letting go of their animals or leaving their home empty, where thieves might steal what’s left behind.

The Waters Are Rising—Again

“How many times must we pack and leave now?” Shama asked, clutching her four children. Her husband was busy trying to ferry their ten cows to higher land. Everyone is tired and uncertain.

Nearby, Bibi Zubaida lives with seven relatives in a small home facing a local mosque. Instead of prayers, the mosque’s loudspeaker now broadcasts evacuation messages. Boats are waiting near her house to help anyone needing to leave.

“This is our life now,” Zubaida said. “War and floods—where do we go?”

Two Disasters, One Year

The turmoil has been brutal. First came the cross-border fighting that frightened families into evacuation. Then came the monsoon floods—powerful rains and suddenly released waters. Both disasters forced people to leave home, school, and their way of life.

Broken Promises of Water Safety

For decades, the Indus Waters Treaty helped India and Pakistan share river water fairly. But earlier this year, India suspended the treaty after a militant attack took place, blamed on Pakistan.

Without that treaty, river data stopped flowing between the nations, and water management broke down. Pakistani officials say India released a large volume of water from a dam into the Sutlej without warning. India denied wrongdoing, saying monsoon rains, not politics, caused the flooding.

What’s Being Done to Help?

Rescue teams are using narrow wooden boats to evacuate families, their belongings, even their goats and motorcycles. Muhammad Arsalan, a rescue worker, said many are reluctant to leave their homes again—even though 1,500 people have been rescued already. Some refuse to move unless their animals can go with them.

In a nearby river town, water levels are the highest seen in decades. Officials say at least 28 people have died so far. As the waters flow further south, communities in Punjab remain at risk.

Threats from Rising Waters and Climate Change

Old farms and new homes alike are under threat. A rice and vegetable farmer lost 13 of his 15 acres. Nawabuddin, a 74-year-old landowner, recalled past floods in 1988 and 2023—and now this one. He said, “We don’t want war. We don’t want water floods. We just want to live."

Disaster officials warn this problem may get worse as climate change fuels more extreme monsoon rains and weakens water-sharing communication between rival countries.

Why This Matters for Young Readers

Imagine your home, school, and farm all in one place. Now imagine having to leave them once, then twice—in less than a year—first for war and then for floods. Every time you leave, you lose more: time in school, playtime with friends, important memories. That’s what kids like Shama’s children are going through right now.

Detail    What It Means

• Two Disasters in One Year Conflict and floods forced villagers to flee twice.
• Broken Water Treaty Shared river data stopped flowing, worsening the flooding.
• High Water Levels Rivers surged to decades-high levels, drowning farmland.
• Rescue Efforts Underway    People evacuated by boat—but fear keeps some from leaving.
• Loved Ones at Risk Families refuse evacuation unless their livestock can join.
• Climate Warnings Officials worry warmer weather will bring more violent floods.

Pakistan floods