Lahore( The COW News Digital)Massive floods triggered by heavy rains and water releases from India have wreaked havoc across Punjab, submerging thousands of villages, destroying crops, and leaving millions displaced. The death toll has climbed to 28, with 1,769 villages inundated and more than 1.4 million people directly affected, according to officials.
The situation turned dire after the Ravi, Chenab, and Sutlej rivers overflowed, sweeping away standing crops and livestock. Rescue and relief operations are underway, but authorities fear the crisis could worsen in the coming days.
According to the Punjab Disaster Management Authority (PDMA), authorities in Jhang made the critical decision to breach the Rewas Bund near Chenab River to divert floodwaters and protect Jhang city from being submerged. Relief Commissioner Punjab, Nabeel Javed, confirmed that evacuation efforts have been completed around the Chenab’s banks, ensuring civilians were moved to safer zones. District administrations in Faisalabad and Jhang remain on high alert, with officials instructed to remain in the field round-the-clock.
Impact across Punjab
The floods have caused widespread devastation, particularly around Lahore, where the Ravi River’s overflow inundated several nearby villages. Areas including Theme Park, Mohlanwal, Mureedwal, Farrukhabad, Shafiqabad, Afghan Colony, New Meter City, and Chuhang faced severe flooding. Rescue teams swiftly evacuated residents, while relief camps were set up to provide food and shelter.
In Lahore’s Park View Housing Society, floodwaters entered four blocks, but timely evacuations prevented major casualties. Temporary relief camps in Chuhang and Thokar Niaz Baig are housing hundreds of families, with officials assuring adequate food, clean water, and medical care. At Lachi Wali School, more than 70 flood victims are currently being sheltered.
Meanwhile, reports indicate that Sialkot may face another wave of flooding due to rising river levels, sparking further concerns among authorities and residents.
Regional concerns
Officials in Punjab have once again accused India of “water aggression” after sudden releases in rivers flowing into Pakistan. These releases, coupled with monsoon downpours, have intensified the flooding situation, raising questions over cross-border water management.
Relief operations remain ongoing, but with crops destroyed and livestock perished, experts warn of severe long-term economic and food security consequences for Punjab’s rural population.
Authorities continue to appeal for public cooperation as rescue missions intensify to minimize further loss of life.
