The keyword Punjab floods has gripped attention across Pakistan as raging rivers and heavy rains devastate villages, cities, and farmland. At least 13 people have died, including five children, and more than 4 million residents are struggling to survive amid widespread destruction. Rescue efforts continue, but the sheer scale of the crisis has left thousands waiting for urgent relief.
Villages Submerged
Floodwaters from the Chenab and Sutlej rivers swallowed more than 50 villages in Jalalpur Pirwala. Homes and shops collapsed, and vast stretches of crops were ruined. Thousands remain stranded as rescue teams battle high water levels to reach affected communities. Authorities confirmed that thousands of acres of farmland now lie underwater.
Read: Karachi Braces for Urban Flooding as Heavy Rains Hit
Scale of Destruction
Relief Commissioner Punjab Nabeel Javed reported that more than 4,300 villages across Punjab are affected. Over 4.2 million people have felt the impact of the Punjab floods, with more than 2.1 million already shifted to safer locations. Despite these efforts, countless families remain displaced and uncertain of their future.
Relief Operations
To provide shelter, 417 relief camps have been established in affected areas. Alongside them, 498 medical camps are operational, offering treatment to those suffering from injuries and waterborne diseases. In addition, 431 veterinary camps have been set up to protect livestock, an essential source of livelihood for rural families. So far, nearly 1.6 million animals have been relocated to safety.
Dams at Full Capacity
Authorities have expressed concern over rising water levels in major dams. Tarbela Dam has reached full capacity, while Mangla Dam is at 89 percent. Across the border, India’s Bhakra Dam is 90 percent full, Pong Dam 99 percent, and Thein Dam 97 percent. The overflow is placing added pressure on rivers in Pakistan, raising fears of more flooding in days to come.
Rising National Toll
The Planning Commission’s preliminary report shows 863 deaths nationwide, with more than 1,100 injuries. Floodwaters have destroyed over 9,100 homes, 672 kilometers of roads, and 239 bridges. More than 6,200 livestock have perished. Punjab alone has recorded 216 deaths, while Khyber Pakhtunkhwa remains the hardest hit with nearly 500 fatalities. The final economic assessment will be issued within two weeks.
Prime Minister’s Response
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has formed a high-level committee to examine the floods’ impact on agriculture and food security. Headed by the Federal Minister for National Food Security, the committee will estimate crop losses, review price trends of essential goods, and assess the availability of imported vegetables. Recommendations will guide both immediate relief measures and long-term strategies to safeguard food supplies.
Rivers Swelling
The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) warned that Punjab’s rivers remain in high flood. At Ganda Singh Wala, the Sutlej River is flowing at 261,000 cusecs, while Sulemanki has 137,000 cusecs. The Chenab River recorded alarming levels at multiple headworks, including 452,000 cusecs at Panjnad. Authorities in Multan have warned residents to evacuate, with emergency embankments being prepared at Shershah. Explosives may be used to release pressure, potentially flooding over 20 nearby villages.
Threat to Railways
Railway officials fear flooding may disrupt key train routes. The Multan–Rawalpindi track could be suspended if the Shershah Chenab Bridge is overwhelmed. The Mehr Express, Thal Express, and Dera Ghazi Khan shuttle remain at risk. While the Multan–Karachi main line is currently operational, officials admit services could halt if waters rise further.
Situation in Districts
In Muzaffargarh, the Chenab remains in high flood. Roads between Multan and Muzaffargarh are closed, cutting off access to several areas. In Vehari, the Sutlej receded slightly but still poses danger, with over 185 villages and 61,000 acres of crops destroyed. In Bahawalpur, embankments collapsed in Jhangeewala and Uch Sharif, submerging villages and forcing mass evacuations. Families trapped in their homes pleaded for urgent rescue and food supplies.
Clean Water Supply
The Punjab Saaf Pani Authority has delivered more than 727,000 liters of clean drinking water to flood-hit districts. Over 242,000 people have benefited so far, with distribution continuing daily. Ultrafiltration hand pumps are also being provided to ensure long-term access to safe water in submerged areas.
Police and Rescue Efforts
Punjab Police remain deeply involved in rescue operations. More than 16,000 officers with 747 vehicles and 40 boats are deployed. They have evacuated over 500,000 people, including women, children, and the elderly. Nearly 600,000 livestock have also been shifted to safety. Authorities continue to urge residents to cooperate during evacuations for their own protection.
Government on Alert
Provincial Minister for Communication and Works Malik Sohaib Ahmed Bharth reviewed flood defenses and relief measures. He confirmed that protective embankments in Bahawalpur and Rahim Yar Khan remain intact for now. Heavy machinery has been deployed in high-risk areas, and teams are working nonstop to manage the crisis.
Struggle for Survival
As Punjab reels from the impact of relentless rains and swelling rivers, the people face mounting challenges. From collapsing homes to vanished crops, the floods have reshaped lives overnight. With millions displaced, relief measures continue, but the fight for safety, food, and shelter remains far from over.
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