Senior Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb announced on Saturday that the death toll from the devastating floods in Punjab has risen to 30, as authorities continue with extensive rescue operations.
“The floods have affected 15,016,603 people [while] more than 481,000 people have been evacuated and shifted to safe locations from the flood-affected areas,” Aurangzeb stated.
Several rivers in Punjab, including the Sutlej, Ravi, and Chenab, are experiencing increased water flow due to a combination of torrential rains and water released from India. Since late June, more than 840 people have been killed in various flood-related incidents nationwide, which have also caused widespread damage to infrastructure and property.
With vast areas of Punjab now inundated, Sindh is also preparing for a possible “super flood” as rising river waters are expected to enter the region in the coming days. The situation poses a serious threat to low-lying areas, with a major flood wave anticipated to pass through the Guddu Barrage on September 3.
Providing further details on the damage and ongoing relief efforts in Punjab, Senior Minister Aurangzeb said that the floodwaters from the three rivers have affected 2,038 settlements in the province. “1,169 settlements were affected by floodwater from the Chenab River, 462 from the Ravi, and 391 from the Sutlej River,” she noted.
The minister added that within the last 36 hours, 68,477 people were rescued. She also highlighted that 511 relief camps and 351 medical camps are providing round-the-clock assistance and care to the victims. Currently, 6,373 flood-affected people are staying in these camps. Additionally, authorities have moved over 405,000 livestock to safe locations and set up 321 veterinary camps to provide services for the animals.
Aurangzeb stressed that the government’s top priority is the rehabilitation of the victims and the repair of damages. “In view of the flood situation, the number of boats participating in the rescue mission has been increased to 808,” she concluded.
