Punjab Floods Kill 33, More Villages at Risk

News Desk 

Lahore: At least 33 people have lost their lives and thousands have been rescued as Punjab faces one of the worst floods in its history, the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) confirmed on Sunday.

Briefing on the situation, PDMA Director General Irfan Ali Kathia said the River Ravi has reached peak levels at Head Balloki, with risks of further inundation in the next 24 hours. 

The main flood stream passing through the Ravi may submerge more villages in Khanewal, Okara, Sahiwal, Kamalia, and Kabirwala. By Monday, nearly 135,000 cusecs of water is expected to reach Pakpattan, Bahawalnagar, and Vehari.

While water levels in the Sutlej have begun to recede, high flows continue. At Head Sulemanki, 154,000 cusecs are recorded, with 100,000 cusecs in Bahawalpur and 260,000 cusecs still passing through Kasur. 

DG Kathia warned that more villages in Bahawalnagar and Bahawalpur could be affected despite the gradual decline. 

At Trimmu Headworks, inflow has already risen by 100,000 cusecs, and 135,000 cusecs are forecast to reach Head Islam tomorrow. At Head Sulemanki, peak levels of 175,000 cusecs are expected by Sunday evening.

Kathia confirmed that over 700,000 people have been evacuated so far, with boats deployed in all districts to rescue both citizens and livestock.

He added that large-scale operations will accelerate in five to six days once water begins to recede. The ongoing spell of heavy rainfall across Punjab, including Lahore, is forecast to persist until September 2.

Jhang on high alert

The Chenab River is exerting pressure on protective embankments near Jhang, with 361,000 cusecs of water flowing into Trimmu. Relief camps have been established in Aliabad for flood-affected families.

According to the Flood Forecasting Division, the Ravi is in high flood at Shahdara (90,500 cusecs) and Balloki (211,395 cusecs). 

The Sutlej is also at high flood with 154,219 cusecs at Head Sulemanki. The Chenab continues to swell with 203,862 cusecs at Qadirabad, 230,688 cusecs at Trimmu (medium flood), and 95,580 cusecs at Jassar. Authorities said continuous monitoring is underway at all critical points.

Rescue efforts intensify

In Hafizabad, rescue teams saved two people swept away by floodwaters, including a man trapped inside his car. In Sahiwal, pressure on the Orangi embankment of the Ravi caused a breach, diverting water into agricultural fields and sparing residential areas. Relief camps were promptly set up for displaced citizens.

Punjab government’s response

Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz announced that 600,000 people and 450,000 animals had been shifted to safer locations. She commended local authorities for draining 12 feet of water from the Kartarpur Corridor within 24 hours.

The CM directed that school buildings be used as temporary shelters, communications in flood-hit areas be restored immediately, and timely evacuations ensured in Multan, Okara, Toba Tek Singh, Sahiwal, and Rahim Yar Khan.

Air travel disrupted

Floodwaters forced suspension of flight operations at Sialkot Airport. Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) shifted all flights to Lahore and advised passengers to contact its call center for updates.

Sindh on alert

Meanwhile, Sindh has set up a 24/7 Rain and Flood Emergency Monitoring Cell in Karachi to handle complaints. 

The Livestock Department has established 300 vaccination camps, while Rescue 1122 teams have been deployed in Sukkur, Larkana, Nawabshah, Hyderabad, and Dadu. Provincial ministers are also visiting affected districts.

Citizens in low-lying katcha areas have been urged to relocate immediately to avoid casualties.

India inflows may worsen crisis

The PDMA warned that more than 70,000 cusecs of additional water could flow in from India in the coming days, worsening the flood situation in Kasur and Multan.

The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), in coordination with cellular operators, announced free voice minutes for residents in flood-hit regions to help them remain in contact with families and access emergency services. PTA assured that telecom services are being closely monitored to ensure uninterrupted connectivity.

Schools update in Lahore

Deputy Commissioner Lahore confirmed that schools in the city will reopen from September 1, except for 45 institutions in flood-hit areas that have been converted into relief camps. 

The list includes 33 government and 12 private schools, such as Central Model School on Rattigan Road and schools in Maraka, Manga, Chohang, Shadab Colony, Saggian, Shahdara, Thokar Niaz Baig, and Multan Road. Input from Samaa News Website.