Punjab launches rescue operation as floods ravage three rivers

LAHORE (Dunya News) – Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has directed the launch of a large-scale rescue and relief operation for flood-affected communities across the province, with emergency declared in hospitals and staff leave cancelled.

For the first time in 38 years, Punjab has been hit by simultaneous flooding in three rivers, prompting what officials describe as the province’s largest and most extraordinary rescue and relief operation. Floodwaters from the Ravi, Sutlej and Chenab rivers have inundated 769 villages, affecting 601,126 people.

During Wednesday’s visit to the Ravi River bridge, Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz reviewed the flood situation and received detailed briefings from the Chief Secretary, Rescue 1122 officials and other authorities. She also waved to the rescue workers engaged in relief efforts, acknowledging their dedication and service.

Relief measures

According to official figures, 263 relief camps and 161 medical camps have been established to assist flood victims. These provide food, medical treatment and temporary shelters. In several flood-hit districts, including Sialkot, Sambrial and Pasrur, the distribution of food, drinking water and essential supplies continues, while major evacuation operations have been carried out in Kasur, Nankana Sahib, Chiniot and Wazirabad.

The Pakistan Army, district administrations, police, Rescue 1122, PDMA and other institutions are jointly carrying out the operations. Authorities have also ensured the evacuation of livestock from rural areas using boats to transport animals to safer ground. Families displaced by the flood have been shifted to temporary shelters, while emergency medical facilities have been set up to treat those in need.

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In Chenab River areas, flooding has affected 333 villages, leaving more than 150,000 people impacted. In Sialkot alone, 133 villages have been submerged, while 16 villages in Wazirabad, 20 in Gujrat, 12 in Mandi Bahauddin, 100 in Chiniot and 52 in Jhang have been hit. Relief authorities have established 78 relief camps and 28 medical camps in these regions.

Along the Ravi River, 101 villages with a combined population of 70,358 have been affected, impacting towns such as Narowal, Nankana Sahib, Kasur and Sahiwal. To support these communities, 81 relief camps and 28 medical camps have been set up.

The Sutlej River has recorded the highest impact, with flooding affecting 335 villages and displacing 380,768 people. Relief operations in this region involve 104 relief camps and 105 medical camps. The worst-hit areas along the Sutlej include Kasur, Okara, Pakpattan, Multan, Vehari, Bahawalnagar and Bahawalpur.

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CM Maryam paid tribute to the Pakistan Army, rescue agencies and all officials engaged in relief operations, acknowledging their swift response and coordination. She emphasised that the rehabilitation of every flood-affected family remains her mission, assuring continued support for the homeless until they are able to return to their homes.