CHINIOT – At least 30 people have lost their lives and more than 1.5 million have been affected as devastating floods continue to wreak havoc across Punjab, Senior Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb confirmed on Saturday.
Addressing a press conference, Aurangzeb said that 15,016,603 people had been affected, while over 481,000 residents were evacuated and shifted to safe locations as floodwaters submerged vast areas of the province.
Multiple rivers, including the Sutlej, Ravi, and Chenab, have witnessed surging water levels due to torrential monsoon rains and water discharges from India. The flooding has already impacted 2,038 settlements across Punjab.
“1,169 settlements have been affected by flood water from the Chenab, 462 from the Ravi, and 391 from the Sutlej,” Aurangzeb said.
She added that 68,477 people had been rescued in the past 36 hours while 511 relief camps and 351 medical camps are providing round-the-clock services. Currently, 6,373 people remain in relief camps, and more than 405,000 livestock have been shifted to safe locations, with 321 veterinary camps offering care.
Aurangzeb also confirmed that the number of boats in rescue operations had been increased to 808, stressing that rehabilitation of victims and repair of damages remain the government’s top priority.
Nationwide, floods since late June have claimed over 840 lives and destroyed infrastructure and property.
Sindh, meanwhile, braces for a possible super flood as rising waters are expected to pass through Guddu Barrage on September 3, threatening low-lying areas across the province.
