MULTAN, Pakistan (AP) — A tragic incident occurred in Pakistan's eastern Punjab province where a rescue boat, intended to evacuate individuals displaced by recent floods, capsized, resulting in the death of nine people. The boat, which was carrying 20 passengers, overturned on Tuesday while navigating the swollen Indus River due to strong winds and fast currents, according to Musarrat Jabeen, the region's top government administrator.

The rescue operation began promptly, with teams initially recovering five bodies during an extended search. By early Thursday, an additional four bodies were recovered, with the deceased including both women and children. This tragic event underscores the ongoing crisis faced by those displaced by flooding in the region.

This incident follows another similar tragedy that occurred on Saturday when five individuals lost their lives near Jalalpur Pirwala city after heavy flooding from the Chenab and Sutej rivers, exacerbated by water releases from Indian dams. In response, rescue teams have been working tirelessly to protect Jalalpur Pirwala city by reinforcing embankments as surrounding villages face inundation, leaving tens of thousands displaced.

Many residents in the flood-affected areas have expressed frustration at the lack of assistance, with some forced to reside in tents or along roads. Senior Punjab Cabinet Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb visited the affected residents, assuring them that she was supervising rescue and relief efforts. Local complaints included insufficient evacuation boats and exorbitant charges imposed by private operators.

In light of these issues, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif ordered police action against boat operators demanding high fees from stranded families. She emphasized that the government would compensate private boat owners for evacuation services and outlined measures to deploy 100 boats equipped with life jackets and floodlights, alongside four helicopters to facilitate safe evacuations and food distribution.

The floods have had a severe impact, affecting around 142,000 individuals in Jalalpur Pirwala and adjacent villages. Displaced residents have sought refuge with relatives, while others endure nights in relief camps or on embankments. Since August 23, flooding has submerged approximately 4,000 villages across Punjab, displacing 2.1 million people and leading to at least 68 fatalities, as reported by the Punjab Disaster Management Authority. Officials attribute the ongoing flooding to heavier-than-average monsoon rains and repeated water releases from overflowing Indian dams.

Nationwide, the floods that have swept across Pakistan since late June have resulted in over 900 deaths, indicating the widespread destruction and urgency for effective rescue and relief efforts. The relentless situation calls for immediate attention and support to assist the affected populations as they face ongoing challenges.