Punjab Floods: 2 Million Affected, 33 Dead as Sutlej River Breaches Embankments

LAHORE – Floodwaters from the Sutlej River have caused massive destruction in southern Punjab, breaching seven embankments in Bahawalpur, which submerged thousands of acres of crops. The breaches occurred in areas including Tehsil Sadar, Basti Yousaf, and Ahmad Wala Khoh, leaving vast agricultural land under water.

According to officials, rescue operations are underway in Jhang, where villagers in Jangran have been trapped by the floodwaters of the Chenab River. Rescue teams are using boats to evacuate people along with their livestock to safer areas.

Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz visited a relief camp established at a school in Kasur. She interacted with women and children affected by the disaster, listening to their problems and assuring them of government support.

Meanwhile, Punjab’s Director General of the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA), Irfan Ali Kathia, told media in Lahore that more than 2 million people have been affected by floods across the province. He confirmed that the death toll has risen to 33 as heavy rains and urban flooding added to the devastation.

DG PDMA further stated that this is the largest rescue operation in Punjab’s history, with over 750,000 people evacuated from flood-hit areas. Around 2,200 villages have been inundated, and arrangements have been made to transport livestock to safe places.

Authorities remain on high alert as fresh spells of monsoon rain continue to worsen the flood situation across Punjab. Relief operations and aid distribution are ongoing to support the displaced population.