Severe flooding in Punjab claims 33 Lives, affects over 2 million

Lahore: At least 33 people have lost their lives, and more than 2 million have been affected as severe flooding continues to devastate large parts of Punjab, according to Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) Director General Irfan Ali Kathia.

Speaking to the media on Sunday, Kathia said that the situation remains extremely critical, with dangerously high water levels recorded in all three of Punjab’s major rivers — Sutlej, Ravi, and Chenab. “We have received high flows in all three major rivers, making the situation very precarious,” he stated. Ongoing monsoon rains are further exacerbating the crisis by hampering drainage and causing additional urban flooding.

The PDMA chief revealed that over 2,200 villages have been inundated, and approximately 750,000 people have been evacuated to safety. Relief and rescue operations are in full swing across the province, marking what Kathia described as “one of the largest rescue operations in Punjab's history.”

Water levels at the Trimmu Barrage surged to 361,633 cusecs — an increase of over 100,000 cusecs within a single day. At the Ravi Bridge, water flow was recorded around 500,000 cusecs, while similarly high levels have been observed at Khanki, Qadirabad, and Ganda Singh Wala on the Sutlej.

Meanwhile, concerns are growing over India’s alleged non-compliance with the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT), with accusations that New Delhi has failed to provide timely flood warnings, worsening the crisis in Pakistan.

Across the country, more than 840 people have been killed in flood-related incidents since late June, and widespread destruction to homes, roads, and infrastructure has been reported.

Punjab’s Senior Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb described the situation as an “unprecedented crisis,” with all three major rivers in a “super flood” state. She confirmed that over 750,000 people and nearly 500,000 livestock have been relocated to safer areas.

Relief efforts remain underway, with food, shelter, and healthcare services being provided in flood relief camps. More than 400 veterinary camps have also been established to care for displaced animals, with arrangements made for fodder and shelter.

Aurangzeb emphasized that all departments are working around the clock at district and tehsil levels to ensure the safety and wellbeing of affected communities, reiterating that saving lives remains the government’s top priority.