Lahore: At least 20 people have lost their lives in the recent floods that affected around 1.46 million people in Pakistan's eastern Punjab province, said authorities on Friday.
According to Kuwait News Agency, the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) of Punjab province confirmed that floods in Punjab have claimed the lives of at least 20 people. The authority stated that most of the deaths occurred due to drowning, primarily in the Gujranwala division of the province. In response to the crisis, the Punjab government has launched a large-scale evacuation operation as floodwaters have impacted over 1.46 million people throughout the province. Approximately 1,400 villages have been submerged due to the release of excess water from Indian dams, which has swollen the three rivers flowing into Punjab. Thousands of residents from districts including Jhang, Shorkot, Khanewal, Multan, Muzaffargarh, Shujaabad, Jalalpur Pirwala, and Alipur have been relocated. Data from the National Disaster Management Authority indicates that "exceptionally high flood" conditions persist at the barrages in Shahdara at Ravi River and Ganda Singh Wala at Sutlej River.
Minister for Climate Change and Environmental Coordination Dr. Musadik Malik acknowledged the "tireless hard work" of rescue officials during his visit to the flood-affected areas. He stated that the dedication and sacrifices of these institutions have been crucial in saving precious lives. Dr. Malik has called for a comprehensive review of the administrative and safety measures implemented along the banks of the Chenab River. Additionally, the Pakistan Meteorological Department has forecasted more rain in several parts of Punjab, including Gujarat, Gujranwala, and Lahore districts. The PDMA has issued warnings of potential urban flooding due to the anticipated rainfall in the province.