Punjab province , Pakistan ( CNN ) -- Monsoon has many translations in the various languages spoken across South Asia . But words alone can not describe its power and splendor -- it 's a necessary force of nature , thundering life back into fields parched by endless days of summer , where the rains create lush landscapes of vivid greens and intense marigold . It is awaited with bated breath ; people anticipate the storm , welcome it and embrace its fury . This year the monsoon rains came late but when they did it was with an unrelenting force that brought massive flooding to parts of Pakistan-administered Kashmir and across the plains of Punjab province , wreaking devastation and disaster along the way . So far , more than 400 people have been killed across India and Pakistan , with tens of thousands more displaced . According to Pakistan 's National Disaster Management Authority , `` exceptionally heavy to very heavy rains from September 4 to 7 resulted in exceptionally high flood discharges at various control points on the River Chenab . '' The rains have now eased , leaving behind the deep waters from this year 's deluge . On our journey to the city of Jhang in southern Punjab , the road passes along the River Chenab , which literally translates as Moon River . The river has swollen and swallowed entire towns -- and livelihoods . At one point , we see the dome of a mosque peeking up through the waters as displaced families stand helplessly with their livestock on higher ground nearby wondering where to camp for the night . Relief camps . On the outskirts of Jhang , a relief camp has been set up by the government . Men mill around by the roadside while the women sit inside the canvas tents , their children running around outside in the foggy heat -- the humidity seems so thick one could slice it with a knife . Pakistan last suffered from massive floods in 2010 when close to one fifth of the country was submerged underwater . This year 's flooding is not as devastating but the outlook is still quite grim . Thirty-five-year-old Mansabdar is angry . Forced to find shelter in the camp , the rage and desperation is palpable in his voice : `` I have nine children , we have been out here for six days . I took nothing with me , we 've only been given water and some rice by the authorities . My village is underwater . When will I be able to go back home ? '' Just a few kilometers away from the camp , under an awning , sit representatives from Imran Khan 's Movement for Justice party , an indication of how this calamity is slowly becoming politicized . The city of Jhang lies closest to Trimmu Barrage , through which the Chenab flows . This barrier , which is in place to stem flooding and aid irrigation , has a capacity of 600,000 cusecs , or cubic feet per second , which is the measure for the flow rate of water . But according to Pakistan 's National Disaster Management Agency ( NDMA ) , on the evening of September 12 , close to 800,000 cusecs of water will pass through the barrage , causing flooding in the surrounding districts of Multan , Muzafargarh , Khanewal , Jhang and Toba Tek Singh . Helicopter perspective . CNN was given access to a military rescue helicopter that flew over the flooded areas close to Jhang and near the head of Trimmu Barrage . The muddy waters that had inundated roads , villages and homes went on as far as the eye could see . Our helicopter eventually descended close to the head of the barrage to deliver engines for rescue boats . Lines of tents had been set up on a narrow strip of land along the barrage for the many displaced people in the area . Farzana stood nearby holding her baby ; she had left her home only a day ago . `` We did n't pick up anything , '' she said . `` We scooped up our children in our arms and fled . '' A group of young boys holding metal water containers dipped their feet into the water . `` School 's out '' they said , `` but we miss home . '' According to Asif Mughal , an activist for the education campaign Alif Ailaan , 948 schools have closed down in the district of Jhang alone . The government ordered them to be closed on September 5 . It will take close to 20 days for them to reopen , though `` nothing is certain yet , '' said Mughal . The scale of the crisis is such that NDMA has now requested assistance from the United National Development Project ( UNDP ) . Fatima Inayet , a UNDP spokesperson , told CNN `` the UN is discussing with the NDMA the possibility to support the government in carrying out an immediate and detailed assessment . '' Until then , many ordinary Pakistanis are on their own . As dusk settled on the road to the city of Multan , which lies to south-west of Jhang , two young men using rubber tires to stay afloat took advantage of the fact that the fish farms nearby had broken open to catch some carp . `` It 's the easiest access to food , '' Shaukhat told CNN . `` We do n't know when this is going to end , we must make do with what we get . ''
This year the monsoon rains came late but when they did it was with unrelenting force . Hundreds of people have been killed , thousands more displaced in India and Pakistan . CNN crew traveled in Pakistani military helicopter to witness extent of flooding . Muddy waters inundated roads , villages and homes as far as the eye could see .