Punjab Floods Kill 30, Impact Over 1.5 million People

Senior Provincial Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb revealed on Saturday that devastating floods triggered by three major rivers have affected over 1.5 million people across 2038 villages in Punjab, leaving 30 dead and thousands displaced.

Information Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb confirmed the figures, adding that timely precautions by the provincial government helped prevent greater human losses. She noted that Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz is directly overseeing the rescue and relief operations, with all state institutions, ministers, and assembly members working together to support the people.

According to official data, more than 481000 residents have been shifted to safer areas, while around 405000 livestock have also been moved to secure shelters. Currently, 6373 people are residing in relief camps. To meet urgent needs, the government has established 511 relief camps, 351 medical camps, and 321 veterinary centers that are operating continuously. The number of boats engaged in rescue missions has also been expanded to 808.

Aurangzeb stressed that climate change has now turned into a severe disaster, demanding stronger preparedness. She announced that Punjab will soon introduce a modern early warning system to strengthen disaster management. Once the floods recede, a comprehensive operation will be launched to remove encroachments along riverbanks. Furthermore, a long-term protection strategy will be designed, drawing lessons from the current crisis.

Meanwhile, emergency efforts to restore the historic Kartarpur Gurdwara, which was inundated with up to 12 feet of floodwater, have been completed. On the directives of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, cleanup teams worked around the clock to drain the water, sanitize the premises, and restore the shrine’s sanctity. The complex has now been fully cleared, ensuring it will soon reopen for Sikh pilgrims from around the world.