Sialkot, the hardworking city of Punjab province of Pakistan, is facing one of the worst natural disasters in the recent memory. The torrential monsoon rains have solved the neighborhood in rivers, forcing thousands of families to flee their homes. Once known for its rich sports and export industry which is now in crisis, as flood waters continue to grow.
The Scale of the Disaster
- More than 300,000 people were displaced in the flood-Hit areas of Punjab.
- Death toll has crossed 800 nationwide since the end of June.
- The entire villages near the Falku River have been submerged, crops, houses and livelihoods have to be washed.
For many residents, the destruction suddenly came. Once, the streets of the roads with markets and workshops are now inaccessible by cars, under water.
Human Stories from the Ground
In Kamanwala village, near Sialkot, 24-year-old Iman Salim described her ordeal:
IThe whole house has drowned. The water left nothing
Like Iman, countless families lost everything in a few hours. Furniture, clothes, livestock and lifetime savings disappeared with growing flood waters.
Health Emergency and Rising Fears
The Punjab government has declared a hospital emergency as waterborne diseases spread. Stagnant water mixed with sewage is creating breeding grounds for:
- Cholera
- HepatitisS
- nake-bite incidents
Doctors warn that if aid does not reach in time, the death toll could rise sharply in the coming weeks.
Volunteers on the Frontline
With the government’s aid slow pace, local donations and volunteers have stepped into. Groups such as Sherzan charity are distributing food and clean drinking water using tractors and boats. These community efforts highlight the flexibility and unity of the people of Sialkot during the time of despair.
