When floodwaters breached the protective embankment along the Sutlej River near Dulla Akuka, villages in Union Council Mata Jhiadu, Tehsil Chishtian, District Bahawalnagar faced an imminent threat. Yet, in the midst of the crisis, the community witnessed the strength of preparedness and collective action through the swift response of the Emergency Response Team (ERT) formed under the PPAF-funded Restoring Social Services and Climate Resilience (RSS&CR) Project.

As the situation unfolded, trained ERT volunteers immediately mobilised, becoming the community’s first line of defence. They coordinated closely with Rescue 1122 and established an Emergency Response Camp near the affected villages, which quickly became the central hub for relief efforts. From alerting residents and organising evacuations to ensuring the safe relocation of women, children, and the elderly to higher ground, the volunteers played a critical role in protecting lives. They also provided first aid and arranged emergency transport, delivering life-saving assistance when it was needed most. Recognising their remarkable efficiency and dedication, the Assistant Commissioner commended the ERT on site, highlighting how community-led preparedness had transformed a potentially devastating disaster into a powerful example of resilience in action.

The response in Bahawalnagar reflects the broader impact of the RSS&CR Project. Across 61 union councils in 19 high-risk districts, community-based ERTs have been established and trained in evacuation, rescue, and relief operations. Time and again, these teams are proving that empowered communities can respond swiftly and effectively during emergencies, turning resilience into action when disaster strikes.