SAHIWAL: Severe flooding along the Sutlej and Ravi rivers has devastated farmland and displaced thousands of families in Sahiwal and Pakpattan districts, in what officials describe as the worst disaster since 1988.
District authorities said over 13,000 acres of farmland and at least 24 villages have been badly damaged, with key crops including rice, maize, sesame, fodder, and potatoes washed away. Rescue teams reported that more than 17,000 people have been evacuated in the last 20 hours, while over 1,000 villagers were relocated from riverbeds after mosque announcements urged communities to leave immediately.
Officials warned that the situation could worsen. Sahiwal Deputy Commissioner Shahid Mahmood said if water levels rise further in the next 24 hours, up to 45 more villages and nearly 75,000 residents may be at risk. “We have mapped scenarios to identify which villages will be hit at different flood levels,” he added.
Local embankments have either collapsed or are on the verge of breaching. While villagers attempted emergency repairs, authorities stressed that heavy machinery is urgently required to control the strong water currents.
On the Ravi’s left bank, high level flooding has caused severe erosion, damaging over 800 acres of land in Chichawatni and Sahiwal tehsils. Commissioner Asif Tufail directed the Irrigation Department to accelerate evacuation, especially prioritizing women, children, and vulnerable groups. More than 15 relief camps have been set up to provide shelter, food, and emergency aid.
Medical preparedness is also underway. Dr. Yadullah, Medical Superintendent of Sahiwal Teaching Hospital, said all staff have been placed on alert and the hospital is stocked with vaccines for snakebites and other emergency medicines.
Despite the destruction of crops and property, authorities confirmed that no human or livestock casualties have been reported so far.
