Over 4,000 villages affected by floods in Punjab: PDMA

(Web Desk): Director General of the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) Punjab, Irfan Ali Kathia, has stated that 25 districts and 4,155 villages in Punjab have been affected by flooding.

Speaking to the media in Lahore, DG PDMA Irfan Ali Kathia shared that since August 26, various flood-related incidents have led to 56 fatalities across Punjab. Between 60,000 to 70,000 people are currently residing in relief camps, where necessary facilities are being provided. Around 500 medical camps have been established, and nearly 150,000 people have received medical treatment.

Discussing the river conditions, he said that water flow is decreasing in all three major rivers of Punjab. At Jassar on the River Ravi, the flow stands at 65,000 cusecs. At Trimmu, a surge of 543,000 cusecs is currently passing, which is expected to increase to nearly 600,000 cusecs in the next few hours. Meanwhile, water levels are receding at Head Muhammad Wala but rising rapidly at Head Panjnad.

Speaking on the flood situation in various districts, the DG PDMA noted that Rescue 1122 has carried out a total of 25,000 boat trips as part of what he called the largest rescue operation in Punjab’s history.

He warned that flood conditions are expected to persist in Multan for the next 72 hours, and rescue efforts there have been intensified. He added that Sialkot, Narowal, Hafizabad, and Chiniot are now moving towards recovery, whereas flood conditions remain in Khanewal, Jhang, and Toba Tek Singh.

According to DG PDMA, heavy rainfall was recorded in some areas, particularly in Gujrat, where urban flooding caused serious disruption. While major roads in Gujrat have now been cleared, drainage operations continue to face challenges due to persistent rain.