Severe monsoon rains have once again ravaged the heart of Punjab, leaving behind a wake of destruction that has torn apart over 1,600 villages, claimed more than 1,000 lives, and displaced millions. As floodwaters rise, an already struggling nation finds itself caught in the relentless grip of nature’s fury. The Christian communities in Kasur and Lahore, already fighting poverty and adversity, are now among the hardest hit.
Homes have been swept away by the unforgiving torrents, leaving nothing but rubble and despair. With no food, medicine, or belongings, families have found themselves seeking shelter in churches or temporary camps—often the only refuge left standing.
The Depth of the Devastation
Pakistan has found itself in the midst of yet another catastrophic flood disaster, with over 1.5 million people affected across the country. In Punjab, the death toll has surpassed 1,070, and at least 1,692 villages have been submerged. The floodwaters have collapsed thousands of homes, leaving families utterly destitute.
In the midst of this calamity, the Christian communities—already living in poverty and with limited resources—are suffering even more. The very homes BACA helped to rebuild after the 2015 floods have now been wiped out once again, forcing families to start from nothing.
The Destruction of Kasur
In the Kasur district of central Punjab, the Sutlej River breached its banks, reaching a staggering 23 feet at Talwar Post, a military checkpoint just a kilometer away from Bhikkiwind village. This river, which flows from the Tibetan mountains and into Pakistan, has been an unrelenting force, devastating everything in its path. The floodwaters surged into surrounding villages, sweeping homes away and leaving families stranded on higher ground.
On August 30, provincial minister Khwaja Suleman Rafique admitted that the government was unprepared for such unprecedented levels of devastation. He also criticized India for failing to notify Pakistan before releasing water into the river, which worsened the already dire situation. Despite efforts by relief agencies, the scale of this year’s floods has been particularly brutal, repeating the cycle of destruction seen in previous years.
Christian Families in Crisis
Bhikkiwind village, where BACA previously helped rebuild homes for Christian families, has been hit hard again. The same families BACA supported in 2015—when their homes were destroyed in floods—now face the same nightmare. Pastor Alayssab, a church leader in the region, shared the devastating reality:
“Christian families from the village were moved to safer locations, but they could not save their belongings. Everything was swept away by the water. What is left behind cannot be measured without visiting their houses. The water will take at least 10 days to recede before families can return.”
The flood has left families without shelter, food, and necessities, and with the roads damaged, their return may be delayed for weeks.
Meanwhile, in Chung Lahore, the Ravi River overflowed, submerging yet another Christian colony. Hundreds of families have sought shelter in churches, clinging to the hope that somehow, they will survive. Saint Thomas Church in Chung Lahore has become a temporary refuge for many, as families struggle to cope with the overwhelming loss.
A Call for Help: BACA’s Urgent Appeal
BACA, in close contact with local pastors, is urgently monitoring the situation and preparing to act. Once the floodwaters recede and roads are reopened, BACA will revisit these Christian communities to offer support. With food hampers and medical aid, they will help families begin the long road to recovery.
“These families have endured unimaginable suffering and loss,” said Juliet Chowdhry, trustee of the British Asian Christian Association. “They are clinging to their faith, but without immediate aid, they cannot survive. We must act now to provide them with food, medicine, and the necessities they desperately need.”
A Message of Hope Amidst Despair
As the floodwaters continue to rise and the suffering of families deepens, BACA is calling on all who can to contribute to their efforts. The people of Punjab are facing an unimaginable crisis, but with your help, we can ease their pain and offer them a glimmer of hope amidst the devastation.
Together, we can provide them with the tools they need to rebuild, to heal, and to survive. Their faith, resilience, and hope in the face of adversity are unwavering—but they cannot do this alone.