Punjab is in the grip of a severe humanitarian disaster, with officials confirming that at least 33 people have perished and over two million have been affected by catastrophic flooding. According to Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) Director General Irfan Ali Kathia, all three major rivers—the Sutlej, Ravi, and Chenab—are at dangerously high levels, creating a precarious situation that has inundated approximately 2,200 villages across the province.
The scale of the response is historic, with DG Kathia calling it “one of the largest rescue operations in Punjab’s history.” So far, 750,000 people have been evacuated from the flood-hit areas. The crisis is compounded by a dramatic surge in water levels; the Trimmu Barrage, for instance, saw an increase of over 100,000 cusecs in a single day. Adding to the challenge, ongoing monsoon rains are hampering drainage and causing urban flooding in several cities, stretching resources thin.
In a parallel media briefing, Punjab Senior Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb underscored the unprecedented nature of the crisis, stating that all three rivers were in simultaneous “super flood.” She provided further details on the extensive relief operations, noting that in addition to human evacuations, nearly 500,000 livestock have been moved to safety. To support this critical asset, over 400 veterinary camps have been established to provide fodder and shelter for displaced animals.
The disaster has also sparked international concerns, with allegations surfacing that India’s refusal to adhere to the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT), particularly regarding timely flood warnings, has contributed to the severity of the situation. As Pakistan deals with over 840 flood-related deaths nationwide since June, the focus in Punjab remains on the massive, round-the-clock relief efforts aimed at providing food, shelter, and basic health services to the millions whose lives have been upended by the rising waters.
