On Thursday, rescuers in boats rushed to help families stranded in Pakistan's densely populated eastern province of Punjab after three major rivers burst their banks due to heavy rains and water being released from overflowing dams in neighboring India, the Associated Press reports.

The floods have displaced nearly 250,000 people and, according to officials, affected more than 1 million people, destroyed crops and businesses, and left many people unable to leave their homes.

Police said at least 15 people died the day before in Gujranwala district and nearby villages.

Forecasters predict that after a two-day break on Friday, new rains are expected, which could continue into next week.

Punjab Senior Minister Maryam Aurangzeb said the floods affected 1,432 villages along the Ravi, Sutlej, and Chenab rivers, affecting about 1.2 million people and forcing 248,000 to leave their homes.

She said about 700 relief camps and 265 medical camps had been set up in the flood-affected areas, and food and other essential items were being delivered.

Since the end of June, more than 800 people have died in Pakistan as a result of the floods.