101 Dead, Thousands Displaced in Punjab Floods

News Desk 

Lahore: The Punjab government has intensified rescue and relief operations across flood-hit areas of the province, evacuating more than 2.5 million people and 2.19 million cattle as rising waters continue to endanger lives, livelihoods, and agricultural land in southern and central regions.

According to the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA), the floods have affected 4,447 mouzas in 28 districts, displacing thousands of families, damaging homes, and submerging crops.

Acting on the directives of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, district administrations have expanded relief efforts in low-lying areas along the Chenab, Ravi, and Sutlej rivers, ensuring timely evacuations and emergency assistance.

The Flood Forecasting Division (FFD) reported that water levels are beginning to recede in some areas, including Jalalpur Pirwala and Alipur tehsils of Multan, but many regions remain critically affected.

A very high flood persists at Panjnad Barrage on the Chenab, with similarly dangerous conditions expected at Guddu Barrage within 24 to 48 hours.

While Jalalpur Pirwala and Alipur have been declared safe, surrounding areas—such as Head Muhammad Wala and Sher Shah in Multan—remain under deep water.

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So far, 101 people have lost their lives in the disaster. Districts including Shujaabad, Rahim Yar Khan, Ahmedpur Sharqia, Rajanpur, and Vehari have faced severe destruction, with entire communities submerged. In Chachran, hundreds of homes were inundated, thousands of acres of crops destroyed, and communication routes disrupted.

In Sadiqabad, floodwaters entered residential areas after a breach in the Zamindara Dyke at Nabi Shah, while in Shujaabad’s Basti Dhondo, the dyke breach widened to 240 feet.

In Multan, floodwater continues to submerge settlements in Head Muhammad Wala and Sher Shah, while parts of Jalalpur Pirwala still face disruptions despite improving conditions. In Uch Sharif, rescue teams worked late into the night to evacuate families stranded in submerged villages.

Rajanpur has also been badly affected, with thousands displaced from Kacha areas. Local authorities confirmed that over 110,000 residents and more than 100,000 livestock were shifted to safer zones in Rojhan, Bangla Acha, Sonmiani, and Kot Mithan. Drone-assisted rescue missions have been deployed to reach those trapped in remote or inaccessible locations.

In Vehari, over 100 rural areas were flooded, and crops on 76,000 acres were submerged. Meanwhile, a very high flood level was recorded on the Indus River in Rahim Yar Khan, where several villages were engulfed, leaving residents trapped in their homes.

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FFD reported a slight reduction in water levels at Kot Mithan (Rajanpur) and Chachran Sharif, with the Indus now at 11.5 feet. Similarly, flow at Head Panjnad on the Chenab is gradually decreasing.

Moderate flooding persists at Ganda Singh Wala and Head Islam on the Sutlej River, while low-level flooding was reported at Head Sulemanki. The Ravi River also showed a declining flow at Head Sudhanai.

The Sutlej floods have wreaked devastation in Arifwala, destroying houses, crops, and food stocks. Victims continue to wait for relief and hope for government compensation to rebuild their lives.

In Jalalpur Pirwala, floodwater entered the city after an embankment along Uch Sharif Road was breached. Citizens, using heavy logs and soil, attempted to block water from spreading further.

Despite some decline in water levels, officials warned that the flood situation remains critical in many districts. The Punjab government, in coordination with PDMA and local authorities, is operating round-the-clock relief camps and medical services, urging citizens in vulnerable areas to remain vigilant and cooperate with evacuation teams.