MULTAN; At least 22 people lost their lives in separate boat accidents caused by floodwaters in Bahawalnagar, Jalalpur Pirwala, and Liaquatpur, while 23 others were rescued, officials confirmed on Thursday.
In Liaquatpur’s Noorwala area, a rescue boat carrying 28 passengers capsized after being caught in strong currents. Rescuers managed to pull 13 people to safety, but eight drowned, including five members of one family. Search operations are still underway for the remaining missing persons.
In Jalalpur Pirwala’s Mohana Sandila area, a boat accident left 14 people dead. Authorities have so far confirmed nine fatalities after recovering all bodies. The victims included five children, one woman, and three men — identified as Irfan, Asma, Iram, Faizan, Zahid, Salman, Shagufta Bibi, Javed, and Abid. The tragedy was particularly devastating as four siblings were among those killed. The accident had initially left 28 people stranded in floodwaters; 19 were rescued alive.
In Bahawalnagar, a boat carrying relief supplies and 20 people capsized. Fortunately, all passengers were wearing life jackets and survived, although locals claim two others may still be missing. Search efforts are ongoing. Earlier in the same district, another boat tragedy in Wahi Sandila claimed five lives, further highlighting the peril faced by flood-hit communities.
Authorities and rescue officials say strong currents and rapidly rising water levels are severely hindering relief operations. Families continue to wait anxiously for news of their missing relatives as the humanitarian crisis deepens.
