Rising Rivers in Punjab Trigger Massive Floods, 28 Deaths Reported, Thousands Displaced

Punjab is facing widespread devastation as the rivers Ravi, Chenab, and Sutlej continue to swell, submerging settlements and agricultural land and forcing thousands of residents to relocate. The floods have intensified due to heavy rainfall and water released from India. In Lahore, floodwaters have entered multiple areas, while villages and towns along the riverbanks resemble waterways, with homes destroyed and roads washed away.

Residents in some areas are taking refuge on the rooftops of submerged houses, while others are moving whatever belongings they can salvage to safer locations. Districts including Faisalabad, Kasur, Narowal, Hafizabad, Kamalia, Mandi Bahauddin, Bahawalnagar, Sialkot, Sargodha, Vehari, and Pakpattan have been heavily affected, with villages cut off due to rising waters and the collapse of temporary embankments.

In Faisalabad, at Tandlianwala, rising levels of the Ravi River have prompted the relocation of residents from low-lying areas, with district authorities and relevant agencies remaining on high alert.

In the Chenab River, increased water flow has been recorded at the Chiniot Bridge, reaching 830,100 cusecs. Meanwhile, the Ravi River at Shahdara is witnessing extremely high flood levels, affecting areas such as Farukhabad, Aziz Colony, Amin Park, Afghan Colony, Shafiqabad, and Meridwala.

Flood Risk in the Indus River

Deputy Commissioner Rajanpur, Shafqat Ullah Mushtaq, warned of an extremely high flood risk in the Indus River. Residents of low-lying areas are being relocated to safety, and flood relief camps have been established near the river. Shafqat Ullah added that health, livestock, and rescue teams are actively responding, while work continues to strengthen protective embankments. Police are also conducting rescue operations in riverine areas.

Situation in Multan

In Multan, a dangerous surge from the Chenab River could enter city limits within 24 to 48 hours. Authorities have decided to breach Head Muhammad Wala to protect urban populations.

Following directives from the Punjab Chief Minister, the administration in Multan has been fully mobilized to provide comprehensive relief to flood-affected residents, the Commissioner of Multan confirmed.

Over 64,000 people impacted by the floods have been relocated to safe locations. Relief camps have been set up to ensure the provision of food and medical facilities for those affected, the Commissioner added.

Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely to provide timely assistance and support to the displaced population.

28 Lives Lost in Punjab Amid Severe Flooding

Director General Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) Irfan Ali Kathia briefed the media on the ongoing flood situation in Punjab, sharing key updates on water levels and affected areas.

According to the DG PDMA, the floods have claimed 28 lives so far across Punjab, while more than 72,000 people have been displaced. He further noted that continuous water inflow from India is worsening the situation.

He confirmed that the water level in Lahore is expected to decrease within the next 24 hours. He said that due to the timely response of the authorities, not a single human life was lost in Lahore.

Kathia stated that a major flood wave has already passed through the River Ravi and is now moving towards Baloki. He warned that the water level at Baloki is likely to rise within the next 18 hours, with over 100,000 cusecs of water already recorded. There is also a risk of water rising further at Chiniot Bridge, he added.

Highlighting the impact on other districts, the DG said that Sheikhupura, Nankana, Sahiwal, and Khanewal are expected to face the effects of the flood. Rising water levels have also been reported in Okara, Pakpattan, and Bahawalpur.

Punjab Reviews Flood Relief Measures

Chief Secretary Punjab chaired a PDMA meeting on the flood situation, joined via video link by Provincial Ministers Khawaja Salman Rafiq and Khawaja Imran Nazir. Relief Commissioner Nabeel Javed and DG PDMA Irfan Ali Kathia also attended.

Key decisions included deploying additional officers in flood-hit districts, possible closure of schools for one week, immediate dispatch of mobile clinics, and evacuation of Nankana, Sheikhupura, and Toba Tek Singh river belt areas. To protect Jhang and Chiniot, it was decided to breach the Rawaaz Bridge. Tent villages with medical facilities will be set up, and fodder supplies for livestock will be ensured.

Pak Army Continues Rescue Operations in Punjab

The Pakistan Army continues its relief operations in flood-affected regions, working alongside the civil administration to assist affected communities.

In Okara, army personnel rescued 423 people trapped in floodwaters and relocated them to safe places. Three teams of the Pakistan Army, equipped with boats and rescue gear, have been deployed along the River Ravi, while additional troops have been placed on alert in surrounding areas.

In Sargodha, army teams remain engaged in relief efforts, where children and women have been transported to safe locations using boats. In Kot Momin, 1,500 flood-affected individuals have already been shifted to safer areas.

The Pakistan Army has also arranged necessary medical assistance for flood victims. Officials said the Army stands shoulder to shoulder with the people to protect them from the devastation caused by the floods.

CM Punjab’s Appeal to the People Of Punjab

Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz urged people in Punjab’s flood-prone areas to cooperate with the administration and move to safe places, stressing that protection of lives is the top priority.

She assured that damages to homes, crops, and livestock are being assessed transparently and compensation will be provided. She appealed to citizens, especially in flood-hit areas, to prioritize saving their own and their children’s lives.

Field Marshal Asim Munir Visits Flood-Affected Areas in Punjab

Field Marshal Asim Munir visited the flood-affected areas of Punjab, including Sialkot, Shakargarh, Narowal, and Kartarpur. During his visit, he reviewed the ongoing relief operations in the region and was briefed on the flood situation and the steps being taken for relief.

The Field Marshal appreciated the efforts of both the administration and military personnel involved in the relief and rescue operations.

During his visit, Field Marshal Asim Munir met with the Sikh community, assuring them of full cooperation. The Sikh community welcomed his visit.

Additionally, the Field Marshal conducted an aerial survey of the flood-affected areas. He emphasized that all religious sites, including Kartarpur, will be restored, and highlighted that the protection of minorities and religious sites is the responsibility of the state.

Read More:  Tayyip Erdogan offers help to flood-hit Pakistan in call with Shehbaz