At least 33 people have died and over 2 million have been affected as severe flooding continues to inundate large parts of Punjab, according to Irfan Ali Kathia, Director General of the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA). Speaking to the media on Sunday, Kathia stated that all three major rivers—the Sutlej, Ravi, and Chenab—are experiencing dangerous water levels, and rescue and relief operations are in progress across the province.
“Currently, the situation is very precarious… we have received high flows in all three major rivers of Punjab,” he added.
As Pakistan deals with unprecedented floods, there are growing concerns over India’s alleged refusal to comply with the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT). Accusations have emerged that New Delhi has failed to fulfill its crucial obligation of providing timely flood warnings.
Since late June, more than 840 people have been killed in various flood-related incidents across the country, which have also caused widespread damage to infrastructure and properties.
Providing more details on the damage and ongoing relief efforts, the PDMA chief said that 2,200 villages have been submerged and 750,000 people have been evacuated from flood-hit areas. He also noted that water levels at Trimmu Barrage have surged to 361,633 cusecs, an increase of more than 100,000 cusecs in just one day.
“This is one of the largest rescue operations in Punjab’s history,” he stated, adding that officials are actively working in the field and cooperating closely with affected communities. “Relief camps are continuously providing food, shelter, and basic health services to flood-affected people,” he said. Kathia further stressed that the safety of human lives is the top priority for authorities. He also mentioned that ongoing monsoon rains are hindering drainage efforts and causing additional urban flooding in several cities.
Later that day, Punjab Senior Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb told the media that the province is facing an unprecedented crisis, with all three of its major rivers simultaneously in a “super flood” state. She shared details on Punjab’s relief operation, saying, “More than 750,000 people have been safely relocated from flood-hit areas, while nearly 500,000 livestock have also been moved to safer ground.”
At Ravi Bridge, the flow has been recorded at around 500,000 cusecs, and similarly high levels are being recorded at Khanki, Qadirabad, and Ganda Singh Wala on the Sutlej. “Flood relief operations are ongoing at full scale, with all departments working round the clock at the district and tehsil level,” she said. Aurangzeb added that over 400 veterinary camps have been established, and arrangements have been made to provide fodder and shelter for displaced animals.
