Staff Report
ISLAMABAD:
Punjab is reeling from a worsening flood crisis as surging river flows continue to displace millions, damage crops, and inundate villages across the province. The disaster has already claimed 41 lives, according to the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA).
The NDMA has warned of further flooding in the Sutlej, Ravi, and Chenab rivers due to heavy rains and the release of water from India. Thousands of homes have been destroyed, with floodwaters sweeping through villages and farmland. In Multan and Mari Patan, entire communities have been submerged, leaving families homeless and crops devastated.
The floods have impacted 3,129 villages and affected more than 2.4 million people across Punjab. The Chenab has been the most destructive, swallowing 1,578 villages, while the Ravi and Sutlej have submerged over 1,500 more.
Relief efforts are underway on a large scale. Authorities have evacuated over 932,000 people to safety, while 390 flood relief camps and 389 medical camps have been set up to support displaced families. However, the scale of need continues to grow as fresh flood waves threaten additional areas.
Officials say the next few days will be critical as engineers and rescue teams battle against damaged infrastructure and rising waters to prevent further loss of life and property.
