The disaster agency reported that at least five people died and more than a dozen were rescued after a boat carrying residents evacuating from flood-hit Punjab province in southern Pakistan capsized on Saturday.

The disaster management authority stated that the boat overturned due to strong currents in Multan District, but most of the passengers were rescued.

Nabil Javed, the relief commissioner, said earlier in the day that flooding caused by the rivers Ravi, Sutlej, and Chenab has affected over 4,100 villages. This flooding forced more than 2 million people from their homes.

More than 1.5 million animals have been relocated by the authorities. They have also set up 423 camps for relief, 512 medical centers and 432 veterinary post to protect people and livestock. Javed said that at least 50 people died from floodwaters during this season. Reporting from Mubasher Bukhari, Lahore; and Harshita Menaktshi, Bengaluru. Editing by Alexandra Hudson.

(source: Reuters)