Pakistan Army Rescues Flood-Hit People via Helicopter in Jhelum

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Pakistan Army Rescues Over 20 People from Flood-Hit Villages in Jhelum Amid Rising Water Levels

Jhelum, Punjab – July 17, 2025:
As relentless monsoon rains continue to wreak havoc across Punjab, the Pakistan Army has launched a large-scale rescue operation in Jhelum, saving more than 20 people who were trapped in flood-affected villages with no means to escape. Using helicopters and emergency teams, the military is racing against time to reach stranded citizens in submerged areas, where water levels are still rising.

The timely intervention has prevented what could have turned into a humanitarian disaster, especially in severely hit areas like Darapur, where entire families were cut off from the rest of the region due to flash floods.

Emergency Rescue Mission: Army Flies into Action

The floodwaters surged quickly following days of intense rainfall in northern Punjab. Villages in the Jhelum district were among the worst hit, as swollen rivers and overflowing canals breached their banks, washing away livestock, damaging homes, and blocking all road access.

With the situation deteriorating rapidly, the Pakistan Army responded by deploying helicopters for aerial rescue and supply drops. These aircraft hovered over affected communities, pulling stranded individuals to safety and airlifting them to secure zones established outside the floodplain.

According to army officials, Darapur village was identified as the epicenter of the disaster, with dozens of families stranded on rooftops and elevated areas. Helicopter crews delivered life jackets, emergency food supplies, and first-aid kits, while simultaneously airlifting vulnerable individuals — including children, the elderly, and the injured.

“They Risked Their Lives to Save Ours”

The people rescued expressed deep gratitude for the military teams who braved dangerous flying conditions and unpredictable flood patterns to carry out their mission.

“The water came so fast, we couldn’t even think about leaving,” said one survivor from Darapur. “There was no road, no boat — only water everywhere. The army helicopter came just in time. They risked their lives to save ours.”

Many of the rescued individuals had been without food or clean water for over 24 hours, trapped in the upper floors of homes or trees as the floodwaters surged through streets, fields, and animal enclosures.

Situation on the Ground: Villages Cut Off, Roads Submerged

The Jhelum district administration reports that multiple villages remain inaccessible by land, as roads have been completely submerged or damaged by fast-moving water. Local transportation is at a standstill, and conventional rescue operations are no longer possible in some parts.

Among the other badly affected villages are:

  • Nikka Khlaspur

  • Rajaroad

  • Chotala

  • Kundwal

  • Sanghoi

In these areas, families have taken shelter on rooftops and elevated spots, waiting for assistance. Many have also lost their livestock, a primary source of livelihood in these rural communities. The loss of animals, including cows, goats, and poultry, is expected to create long-term economic hardship for already struggling households.

Livelihoods Washed Away: Economic Impact Growing

The flood has done more than just displace families. It has destroyed crops, small shops, and irrigation systems, crippling the local rural economy. Residents in affected villages depend heavily on agriculture and livestock farming, both of which have taken a severe hit.

“I lost my buffaloes, my fields are under water, and my children haven’t eaten properly in two days,” said Muhammad Shabbir, a resident of Nikka Khlaspur. “We are not just fighting for survival today, we have to rebuild everything from scratch tomorrow.”

Agriculture experts warn that if the floodwaters do not recede soon, it could result in major crop loss across the region, particularly in areas where corn, rice, and vegetables were planted for the current season.

A Race Against Time: Air Rescue the Only Option

Given the scale of flooding and the blocked access routes, air rescue remains the only viable method for reaching people stranded in the most remote areas.

The Pakistan Army’s aviation units have confirmed that they will continue operating flights in the region until every family is accounted for. In addition to rescue operations, helicopters are also being used to transport food, medicine, clean water, and fuel to distribution points established just outside the flood zone.

Local officials are working in coordination with military teams to identify priority areas, while drones are being used to map the extent of flooding and locate individuals in distress.

Coordinated Response and Relief

The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) has mobilized additional resources to support the army’s rescue work. Relief camps have been set up in safer zones of Jhelum, where evacuees are being provided with:

  • Cooked meals

  • Basic medical care

  • Sleeping arrangements

  • Mobile toilets

  • Psychological support services

Volunteers and local NGOs have also joined hands with authorities, collecting donations and distributing supplies to displaced families. Medical teams have been deployed to prevent outbreaks of waterborne diseases, a common risk during large-scale floods.

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Rising Concerns: Weather Forecast Predicts More Rain

While the army’s quick response has saved dozens of lives, the situation remains fluid and dangerous, with meteorologists warning that more rain is expected in northern Punjab over the next 48 hours.

According to the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD), additional showers are likely in Jhelum, Gujrat, Chakwal, Sialkot, and Rawalpindi, increasing the risk of further flooding. Weather alerts have been issued, and residents in vulnerable areas are being urged to:

  • Avoid going near rivers or canals

  • Evacuate low-lying areas

  • Prepare emergency kits

  • Stay tuned to official advisories

The Lohari Dam and Mangla catchment areas are also under observation, as rising water levels in upstream reservoirs could add pressure to already strained drainage systems.

Community Support and Resilience

Despite the devastation, stories of courage and compassion continue to emerge. Local villagers have opened their homes to strangers, shared limited food with neighbors, and worked together to build makeshift shelters on high ground.

“In times like this, we remember we are one people,” said Bilqees Bibi, a mother of four. “We will survive this together.”

Social media campaigns have helped amplify calls for help, with citizens using hashtags like #JhelumFloods, #PunjabRainRescue, and #ArmyReliefMission to share updates, photos, and donation links.

Government and Relief Agencies: Long-Term Plans Needed

While the current focus remains on emergency rescue and relief, disaster management experts are calling for a comprehensive flood preparedness strategy to avoid recurring devastation in future monsoon seasons.

Key recommendations include:

  • Strengthening river embankments and flood barriers

  • Improving early warning systems

  • Regular maintenance of drainage systems

  • Zoning laws to restrict construction in flood-prone areas

  • Community-based disaster response training

Unless these steps are taken, seasonal flooding will continue to destroy lives and property year after year, especially in rural and semi-urban districts like Jhelum.

Authorities Urge Caution and Cooperation

In an official statement, local authorities have asked the public to stay calm but alert, and follow all safety guidelines. Those in flood-risk areas are advised to avoid unnecessary movement, especially at night, and to report missing persons or urgent needs via emergency helplines.

“Rescue efforts are ongoing. We request cooperation from all citizens. Please stay indoors, don’t spread rumors, and contact official numbers for accurate information,” said Deputy Commissioner Jhelum.

Final Thoughts: United in Crisis, Stronger in Recovery

As floodwaters continue to pose a threat to life and livelihood in Jhelum and surrounding districts, the bravery of the Pakistan Army, the dedication of local responders, and the resilience of ordinary citizens offer a beacon of hope in dark times.

While challenges remain, the collective effort to protect and rebuild communities showcases the unshakable spirit of Pakistan in the face of adversity.

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Pakistan Army Rescues Over 20 People from Flood-Hit Villages in Jhelum Amid Rising Water Levels

Jhelum, Punjab – July 17, 2025:
As relentless monsoon rains continue to wreak havoc across Punjab, the Pakistan Army has launched a large-scale rescue operation in Jhelum, saving more than 20 people who were trapped in flood-affected villages with no means to escape. Using helicopters and emergency teams, the military is racing against time to reach stranded citizens in submerged areas, where water levels are still rising.

The timely intervention has prevented what could have turned into a humanitarian disaster, especially in severely hit areas like Darapur, where entire families were cut off from the rest of the region due to flash floods.

Emergency Rescue Mission: Army Flies into Action

The floodwaters surged quickly following days of intense rainfall in northern Punjab. Villages in the Jhelum district were among the worst hit, as swollen rivers and overflowing canals breached their banks, washing away livestock, damaging homes, and blocking all road access.

With the situation deteriorating rapidly, the Pakistan Army responded by deploying helicopters for aerial rescue and supply drops. These aircraft hovered over affected communities, pulling stranded individuals to safety and airlifting them to secure zones established outside the floodplain.

According to army officials, Darapur village was identified as the epicenter of the disaster, with dozens of families stranded on rooftops and elevated areas. Helicopter crews delivered life jackets, emergency food supplies, and first-aid kits, while simultaneously airlifting vulnerable individuals — including children, the elderly, and the injured.

“They Risked Their Lives to Save Ours”

The people rescued expressed deep gratitude for the military teams who braved dangerous flying conditions and unpredictable flood patterns to carry out their mission.

“The water came so fast, we couldn’t even think about leaving,” said one survivor from Darapur. “There was no road, no boat — only water everywhere. The army helicopter came just in time. They risked their lives to save ours.”

Many of the rescued individuals had been without food or clean water for over 24 hours, trapped in the upper floors of homes or trees as the floodwaters surged through streets, fields, and animal enclosures.

Situation on the Ground: Villages Cut Off, Roads Submerged

The Jhelum district administration reports that multiple villages remain inaccessible by land, as roads have been completely submerged or damaged by fast-moving water. Local transportation is at a standstill, and conventional rescue operations are no longer possible in some parts.

Among the other badly affected villages are:

  • Nikka Khlaspur

  • Rajaroad

  • Chotala

  • Kundwal

  • Sanghoi

In these areas, families have taken shelter on rooftops and elevated spots, waiting for assistance. Many have also lost their livestock, a primary source of livelihood in these rural communities. The loss of animals, including cows, goats, and poultry, is expected to create long-term economic hardship for already struggling households.

Livelihoods Washed Away: Economic Impact Growing

The flood has done more than just displace families. It has destroyed crops, small shops, and irrigation systems, crippling the local rural economy. Residents in affected villages depend heavily on agriculture and livestock farming, both of which have taken a severe hit.

“I lost my buffaloes, my fields are under water, and my children haven’t eaten properly in two days,” said Muhammad Shabbir, a resident of Nikka Khlaspur. “We are not just fighting for survival today, we have to rebuild everything from scratch tomorrow.”

Agriculture experts warn that if the floodwaters do not recede soon, it could result in major crop loss across the region, particularly in areas where corn, rice, and vegetables were planted for the current season.

A Race Against Time: Air Rescue the Only Option

Given the scale of flooding and the blocked access routes, air rescue remains the only viable method for reaching people stranded in the most remote areas.

The Pakistan Army’s aviation units have confirmed that they will continue operating flights in the region until every family is accounted for. In addition to rescue operations, helicopters are also being used to transport food, medicine, clean water, and fuel to distribution points established just outside the flood zone.

Local officials are working in coordination with military teams to identify priority areas, while drones are being used to map the extent of flooding and locate individuals in distress.

Coordinated Response and Relief

The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) has mobilized additional resources to support the army’s rescue work. Relief camps have been set up in safer zones of Jhelum, where evacuees are being provided with:

  • Cooked meals

  • Basic medical care

  • Sleeping arrangements

  • Mobile toilets

  • Psychological support services

Volunteers and local NGOs have also joined hands with authorities, collecting donations and distributing supplies to displaced families. Medical teams have been deployed to prevent outbreaks of waterborne diseases, a common risk during large-scale floods.

Rising Concerns: Weather Forecast Predicts More Rain

While the army’s quick response has saved dozens of lives, the situation remains fluid and dangerous, with meteorologists warning that more rain is expected in northern Punjab over the next 48 hours.

According to the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD), additional showers are likely in Jhelum, Gujrat, Chakwal, Sialkot, and Rawalpindi, increasing the risk of further flooding. Weather alerts have been issued, and residents in vulnerable areas are being urged to:

  • Avoid going near rivers or canals

  • Evacuate low-lying areas

  • Prepare emergency kits

  • Stay tuned to official advisories

The Lohari Dam and Mangla catchment areas are also under observation, as rising water levels in upstream reservoirs could add pressure to already strained drainage systems.

Community Support and Resilience

Despite the devastation, stories of courage and compassion continue to emerge. Local villagers have opened their homes to strangers, shared limited food with neighbors, and worked together to build makeshift shelters on high ground.

“In times like this, we remember we are one people,” said Bilqees Bibi, a mother of four. “We will survive this together.”

Social media campaigns have helped amplify calls for help, with citizens using hashtags like #JhelumFloods, #PunjabRainRescue, and #ArmyReliefMission to share updates, photos, and donation links.

Government and Relief Agencies: Long-Term Plans Needed

While the current focus remains on emergency rescue and relief, disaster management experts are calling for a comprehensive flood preparedness strategy to avoid recurring devastation in future monsoon seasons.

Key recommendations include:

  • Strengthening river embankments and flood barriers

  • Improving early warning systems

  • Regular maintenance of drainage systems

  • Zoning laws to restrict construction in flood-prone areas

  • Community-based disaster response training

Unless these steps are taken, seasonal flooding will continue to destroy lives and property year after year, especially in rural and semi-urban districts like Jhelum.

Authorities Urge Caution and Cooperation

In an official statement, local authorities have asked the public to stay calm but alert, and follow all safety guidelines. Those in flood-risk areas are advised to avoid unnecessary movement, especially at night, and to report missing persons or urgent needs via emergency helplines.

“Rescue efforts are ongoing. We request cooperation from all citizens. Please stay indoors, don’t spread rumors, and contact official numbers for accurate information,” said Deputy Commissioner Jhelum.

Final Thoughts: United in Crisis, Stronger in Recovery

As floodwaters continue to pose a threat to life and livelihood in Jhelum and surrounding districts, the bravery of the Pakistan Army, the dedication of local responders, and the resilience of ordinary citizens offer a beacon of hope in dark times.

While challenges remain, the collective effort to protect and rebuild communities showcases the unshakable spirit of Pakistan in the face of adversity.

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