A Region in Crisis

The catastrophic floods in South Punjab, triggered by the swollen Sutlej River, have left a trail of devastation. Over 100 villages, including the town of Abbaspur on the river’s left bank, have been submerged, displacing hundreds of families and their livestock. Homes have been destroyed, crops washed away, and livelihoods shattered, leaving communities in dire straits.

The Sutlej River reached alarming flood levels, with flows recorded at 303,828 cusecs at Ganda Singh Wala, according to the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) Punjab. The scale of destruction has overwhelmed local resources, with families forced to seek refuge in makeshift shelters on higher ground, facing hunger and uncertainty.

Immediate Relief Efforts

On September 7, 2025, Asara for Humanity Network and Rohi Support Program, in collaboration with the Department of Social Welfare Bahawalpur, launched a critical relief operation in Abbaspur. Cooked meals were distributed to 100 families, providing immediate respite to those grappling with hunger. Fodder was also provided to support livestock, a lifeline for many in this agrarian region.

Volunteers worked tirelessly, driven by compassion, to prepare and distribute meals, ensuring that displaced families received essential nutrition. This initiative is a beacon of hope amid the crisis, but it is only the beginning of what is needed.

The Scale of the Challenge

The floods have caused unprecedented damage, with homes, infrastructure, and agricultural lands destroyed across South Punjab. Previous floods in 2023 displaced over 162,000 people in Bahawalpur alone, ruining crops on 57,000 acres. The current crisis is equally severe, with relief efforts struggling to meet the overwhelming demand.

Government agencies, including the PDMA and Rescue 1122, are working alongside NGOs to provide food, shelter, and fodder. However, the magnitude of the disaster requires far greater resources to address both immediate needs and long-term recovery.

A Call for Support

The immediate priority is to provide food, clean water, and shelter to those affected. Asara for Humanity Network and Rohi Support Program are urgently appealing for donations to sustain their efforts. The following items are critically needed:

• Food and Drink: Non-perishable food, clean drinking water, and cooked meals.
• Fodder for Livestock: Essential to support animals critical to livelihoods.
• Shelter Supplies: Beds, blankets, and tents for temporary housing.
• Medical Supplies: Basic medical kits to address health needs.

Looking ahead, the second phase of relief will focus on resettling families, rebuilding homes, and restoring agricultural land to help communities recover their livelihoods.

Conclusion

The floods in South Punjab have tested the resilience of communities, but the collaborative efforts of Asara for Humanity Network, Rohi Support Program, and the Department of Social Welfare Bahawalpur offer hope. The food distribution in Abbaspur is a vital step, but sustained support is essential for recovery. Together, we can help rebuild lives and restore hope in South Punjab.