Renowned artist Hadiqa Kiani has made a heartfelt plea to those living near Pakistan’s major rivers amid severe flooding, urging immediate evacuation to ensure safety. Her appeal comes as the government issues urgent orders for residents along the Ravi, Sutlej, and Chenab rivers to seek refuge in safer areas.
Speaking through a video message on Instagram, Kiani highlighted the gravity of the situation as intense monsoon rains continue to batter the country. “Pakistan is enduring a challenging time with floods wreaking havoc. Regions including KPK, Sindh, and Punjab are on high alert. Those near the Ravi, Sutlej, and Chenab rivers are especially at risk,” Kiani warned.
She continued, “I urge the residents of these areas to heed the warnings and relocate. Carry your essentials and seek safer shelter to protect your lives and those of your loved ones.”
Government authorities have ramped up evacuation efforts in response to the “unprecedented flood situation,” with military assistance deployed in crucial districts like Lahore, Kasur, Narowal, and Faisalabad. The rising floodwaters have already submerged large parts of Punjab, displacing hundreds of thousands and devastating farmland and livestock. Officials attribute the intensified flooding to relentless downpours and additional water flow from Indian dams into Pakistan’s river system.
To date, over 150,000 individuals and 35,000 livestock have been moved to safety, with rescue teams working tirelessly day and night. The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UN-OCHA) reports that this year’s monsoon death toll in Pakistan has nearly tripled compared to the same period last year.
Kiani’s call to action is consistent with her history of advocacy during natural disasters. In 2022, her Vaseela initiative significantly contributed to flood relief efforts in Balochistan, where devastating floods affected numerous villages, leaving over 225 people dead and destroying more than 26,000 homes.
For those wanting to assist in the relief efforts, several organizations are actively collecting donations aimed at providing aid in the flood-stricken regions of Gilgit-Baltistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Punjab.
