Boat carrying flood victims capsizes in Multan; five dead

Jalalpur Pirwala: Five people lost their lives after a boat they were riding capsized during the evacuation of flood victims in Jalalpur Pirwala. More than 20 people fell into the water. 

The boat carrying flood victims overturned during the evacuation operation in Jalalpur. Rescue teams responded immediately and transferred people to safer locations.

According to Rescue 1122, five individuals, including a woman, drowned in the incident.

Meanwhile, Director General PDMA (Provincial Disaster Management Authority) Irfan Ali Kathia contacted the Deputy Commissioner of Multan by phone and was briefed about the situation. The Deputy Commissioner reported that the strong water current caused the boat to lose balance.

The DG PDMA directed that the injured be provided with the best possible medical care. He further instructed that the evacuation of flood victims be carried out with utmost safety, and that no overloading be allowed in either private or rescue boats.

A spokesperson for Rescue 1122 stated that the Secretary of Emergency Services has ordered the Divisional Emergency Officer to immediately submit an incident report. He added that the department stands in solidarity with the grieving families.

According to the spokesperson, the accident occurred when a rescue boat overturned in the strong current during operations in Multan. Volunteers risked their lives to rescue more than 12 people. Tragically, three children and a woman lost their lives, while one child remains missing. The search operation for the missing child is still underway.

He further reported that so far, more than 9,000 people have been rescued through flood operations in Multan, while over 350,000 individuals and more than 300,000 livestock have been evacuated in advance.

Meanwhile, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif expressed deep sorrow over the tragic loss of lives in the boat capsizing incident in Jalalpur, Multan. She extended heartfelt condolences and sympathies to the bereaved families.