LAHORE – Heavy monsoon rains and overflowing rivers have triggered severe flooding across multiple districts of Punjab, putting thousands of lives and livestock at risk. The provincial government has intensified rescue and relief operations to manage the escalating crisis and prevent large-scale devastation.
In a four-hour high-level briefing, officials presented detailed reports on the impact in districts including Lahore, Kasur, Sialkot, Narowal, Faisalabad, Okara, and Sargodha. The River Sutlej’s rising waters have inundated 72 villages in Kasur, affecting 45,000 people, while Pakpattan (12 villages), Vehari (23 villages), Bahawalnagar (75 villages), and Bahawalpur (15 villages) are also severely impacted. All available resources have been mobilized for rescue and relief operations.
Pakistan Army has been actively engaged in flood response since last night in six districts: Lahore, Faisalabad, Okara, Kasur, Sialkot, and Narowal. Troops are assisting in transporting flood-affected people, including children, women, and the elderly, to safe locations using boats. Soldiers have also ensured the safe relocation of belongings and livestock. Several areas, including Kasur and Ganda Singh Wala along the Sutlej River, have been inundated. Relief camps for affected populations have been established jointly by the Pakistan Army and district administrations.
District administrations, PDMA, Rescue 1122, Civil Defense, and local police continue to operate on the frontlines, with military support reinforcing the efforts. Over 130 boats, 115 outboard motors, six AMB bikes, 1,300 life jackets, and 245 life rings have been deployed. More than 150,000 people and 35,000 livestock have been relocated to safe areas, and relief, medical, and veterinary camps have been set up. Over 2,600 flood victims have received medical treatment so far.
Hospitals across Punjab have been instructed to implement emergency measures to handle the flood situation. Senior officials, including Senior Minister Maryam Aurangzeb and the Chief Secretary, participated in the briefing.