A Devastating Human Toll

This August, Punjab has faced one of its harshest floods in decades. Streets, fields, and entire villages are submerged under water, leaving families scrambling to save what little they can. Children sit on rooftops, parents carry belongings through waist-deep water, and the elderly struggle to escape the rising rivers. The human toll is staggering, and the emotional scars will last far longer than the physical damage.

Cross-Border Water Releases

Part of the crisis is beyond Pakistan’s control. Water released from India’s dams on the Sutlej, Ravi, and Chenab rivers added to the already swollen rivers, intensifying flooding in Punjab. While cross-border water sharing is governed by agreements like the Indus Water Treaty, sudden releases still create havoc for communities downstream, especially when early warnings are insufficient or ineffective.

Urban Vulnerability: Housing Societies at Risk

The floods also expose weaknesses closer to home. Many housing societies and urban developments have been constructed in flood-prone areas, without proper planning or regard for riverbeds. When rivers swell, these communities are among the hardest hit. The disaster underscores the urgent need for better water governance managing rivers, reservoirs, and urban planning in a way that protects both people and property.

The Need for Strong Water Governance

Experts say Pakistan must strengthen its water management policies. This includes improving dam operations, early warning systems, and enforcing regulations on construction in flood-prone zones. Sustainable water management and climate adaptation strategies are no longer optional they are critical for survival.

Looking Ahead

The people of Punjab are facing a double challenge: the immediate danger of floodwaters and the longer-term challenge of3 living in a world where extreme weather is becoming the norm. As the waters recede, rebuilding lives will require more than temporary relief; it will demand systemic changes in how we manage water, plan our cities, and prepare for a climate-altered future.