Multan( The COW News Digital) Heavy floods in southern Punjab continue to endanger lives as boats carrying flood-affected residents capsized in Multan and Muzaffargarh, prompting large-scale rescue operations.
In Jalalaur Pirwala Tehsil of Multan, a boat carrying 19 flood victims overturned near Obaadu, close to South Quaid-e-Millat School. Rescue teams were immediately deployed, saving 18 people, while efforts continue to locate the remaining individual. The boat had been transporting people rescued from the village of Darabpur when the accident occurred.
Rescue authorities confirmed that the victims were returning from relief operations when the vessel lost balance, leading to the capsizing. Officials highlighted that timely intervention by rescue teams prevented a potential tragedy, underscoring the importance of well-coordinated flood response mechanisms.
Similarly, in Ali Pur Tehsil of Muzaffargarh, another boat carrying more than ten individuals overturned in the Latimari area. Reports indicate that the boat lost stability when an additional person attempted to climb aboard. Fortunately, all passengers were rescued safely without any casualties. Authorities have urged residents to exercise extreme caution while using boats during flood conditions.
The relentless flooding has overwhelmed the region’s infrastructure, leaving thousands displaced and forcing many to rely on boats for evacuation and transport. Rescue operations by the Pakistan Army and local authorities are ongoing across multiple districts to ensure the safety of affected residents.
Tragically, not all incidents ended without loss of life. In Bahawalnagar’s village of Kallar Wali along the Sutlej River, a 12-year-old boy drowned, highlighting the ongoing dangers posed by swollen rivers and floodwaters. Families in the affected regions have been warned to avoid flood-affected rivers and canals to prevent further casualties.
Authorities have also called for increased vigilance and the provision of additional resources to flood-hit areas. Local communities have been urged to cooperate with rescue teams and follow safety instructions during transportation and evacuation operations.
Experts say these accidents underline the urgent need for better flood management, safety measures for water transport, and public awareness campaigns to reduce casualties during Pakistan’s increasingly frequent monsoon floods.
The flood situation remains critical, with officials and rescue personnel working around the clock to safeguard lives and provide relief to affected communities across southern Punjab.
