Villagers wade through a flooded area after torrential rains on the outskirts of Sodhra town, in Wazirabad district, Pakistan, on Aug. 28.

Rescuers in boats raced to reach stranded families in Pakistan’s populous eastern Punjab province Thursday, after three major rivers burst their banks because of heavy rain and the release of water from overflowing dams in neighbouring India .

The floods displaced nearly 250,000 people and officials said more than one million people were affected, with crops and businesses destroyed and many unable to leave their homes.

At least 15 people were killed a day earlier in Gujranwala district and nearby villages, according to police. Forecasters said more rain was expected Friday, after a two-day pause, and could continue into next week.

Pakistan orders

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