Baghdad: Pakistani authorities announced on Wednesday night the evacuation of more than 190,000 people from the eastern province of Punjab, following severe flooding caused by heavy rains that raised the water levels of several rivers, including the Janab, Ravi, and Sutlej.

According to National Iraqi News Agency, the National Disaster Management Authority stated that the army was called in to support relief efforts in several areas, including Lahore, Sialkot, and Faisalabad.

The Sialkot region recorded its highest rainfall in 49 years, at 363.5 mm in 24 hours, according to the Meteorological Department, which warned of continued severe weather in the coming days.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif called for the activation of early warning systems and the implementation of necessary measures to prevent urban flooding, stressing the importance of safe evacuation and effective supervision of relief operations.

Official statistics indicate that floods and storms since late June have killed 788 people and damaged thousands of homes across Pakistan.