Punjab hit by historic floods: 33 dead, 2m affected, 2,200 villages submerged

LAHORE (Dunya News) – Punjab Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) Director General Irfan Kathia has said that Punjab is facing the worst floods in its history, with 33 people dead, 2 million affected, and 2,200 villages submerged.

Speaking to the media in Lahore on Sunday, he said water levels in River Sutlej at Kasur are receding, but by tomorrow 135,000 cusecs will reach Pakpattan, Bahawalnagar, and Vehari, while water at Head Sulaimanki is still rising and will hit peak levels by evening.

At Trimmu Barrage, the water flow has reached 361,633 cusecs, an increase of 100,000 cusecs. He added that the 9th spell of monsoon rains has caused further devastation, but their top priority remains saving human lives.

The PDMA director general said the Pakistan Army is playing a vital role in relief and rescue operations, with affected people being provided all facilities in relief camps. Around 750,000 people have been shifted to safe places.

He further stated that although water flow in the Sutlej has decreased, water from Sutlej and Ravi will affect more villages, while the Chenab is expected to impact Muzaffargarh and Multan.