LAHORE: As many as 33 people have lost their lives, as severe flooding continues to inundate vast areas of Punjab, Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) Director General Irfan Ali Kathia said.
While speaking to the media on Sunday,the DG PDMA has apprised that more than 2 million have been affected by disastrous floods adding that all three major rivers, including the Sutlej, Ravi, and Chenab, are witnessing dangerous levels, with rescue and relief efforts underway across the province.
“Currently, the situation is very precarious… we have received high flows in all three major rivers of Punjab,” he added.
Concerns are mounting over India’s refusal to adhere to the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT), with allegations surfacing that New Delhi has failed to uphold its critical duties regarding timely flood warnings.
More than 840 people have been killed in various flood-related incidents across the country since late June, while also causing widespread damage to infrastructure and properties.
The PDMA chief said that 2,200 villages have been inundated, while 750,000 people have been evacuated from flood-hit areas.
Kathia further said that water levels at Trimmu Barrage have surged to 361,633 cusecs, marking an increase of over 100,000 cusecs in just one day.
“This is one of the largest rescue operations in Punjab’s history,” he said, adding that relief efforts are underway, with officials present in the field and working closely with the affected communities.
“Relief camps are continuously providing food, shelter, and basic health services to flood-affected people,” he noted.
Kathia further stressed that the safety of human lives remains the top priority of authorities. He said that ongoing monsoon rains are hampering drainage efforts and causing additional urban flooding in several cities.
