The human toll of the ongoing floods in Punjab has risen sharply, with the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) reporting at least 20 fatalities in a single 24-hour period. According to the Director-General of the PDMA, Irfan Ali Kathia, the Gujranwala division has suffered the highest number of casualties amidst the widespread flooding across the province.
DG Kathia provided a crucial clarification, stating that these tragic deaths did not occur among individuals who were stranded during government-led evacuation operations. This suggests the incidents may have happened prior to or outside of the rescue efforts. In response to the loss of life, the authority announced that the families of each deceased person will be granted financial compensation of Rs. 1 million.
The rescue operations extend beyond human life, with a significant focus on protecting economic assets. On the specific instructions of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, measures are being implemented to safeguard livestock, a critical source of livelihood for many. The PDMA chief confirmed that so far, 317,400 animals have been successfully relocated to safer areas, and arrangements are underway to ensure a supply of fodder for them.
The scale of the disaster has necessitated a comprehensive response. The PDMA is employing all available resources, including helicopters and boats, to access and evacuate residents from inundated areas to safer ground. This multi-faceted approach highlights the severity of the flooding and the government’s efforts to manage both the immediate humanitarian crisis and the longer-term economic impact on the agricultural community.
