A rescue boat capsized while conducting relief operations in the flooded River Chenab near Jalalpur Pirwala, resulting in the deaths of five people, including a woman and four children.
According to initial reports, the Rescue 1122 boat overturned during an evacuation of flood victims. There were more than 20 people on board, including women and children. Several individuals were rescued, and efforts are still underway to locate those who are missing. The incident took place in the village of Wachha Sandila, a suburban area of Tehsil Jalalpur. The victims have been identified as 80-year-old Bakht Bibi, six-year-old Fatima Bibi, seven-year-old Amir, three-year-old Mahnoor, and two infants aged six and three months.
Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz expressed deep sorrow over the tragic loss of life and extended condolences and sympathy to the victims’ families. The Director General of the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA), Irfan Ali Kathia, spoke with the Multan deputy commissioner by phone about the incident. During the briefing, it was reported that the boat lost its balance due to strong currents. The DG PDMA has directed that the injured receive the best possible medical care and assured that all future evacuation efforts during the flood emergency will be conducted safely. He stressed that both private and rescue boats must not be overloaded.
