LAHORE: Senior Provincial Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb revealed on Saturday that devastating floods triggered by three major rivers have affected over 1.5 million people across 2,038 villages in Punjab, leaving 30 dead and thousands displaced.
The floods, driven by rising waters in the Chenab, Ravi, and Sutlej rivers, have been declared among the most destructive in the province’s history.
Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb confirmed that Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif is directly overseeing a large-scale rescue and relief operation. “In this critical time, the chief minister stands firmly with the people,” she said.
According to the minister, more than 481,000 individuals have been relocated to safer locations, and 511 relief camps along with 351 medical camps are operating round the clock to provide essential care. Additionally, 6,373 flood victims are currently sheltered in relief camps.
Emergency response has included the deployment of 808 boats, which have rescued 68,477 people in just 36 hours.
The coordinated effort involves ministers, lawmakers, district administration, Rescue 1122, police, civil defense, and other key institutions working as “a united force,” she added.
In addition to human rescue efforts, over 405,000 livestock have been safely relocated, with 321 veterinary camps established to provide medical assistance to animals affected by the floods.
Aurangzeb credited the proactive measures taken by Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz – including early warnings and anti-encroachment operations – for helping reduce the scale of human loss.
“Despite being one of the worst floods in our history, Punjab has been spared a larger tragedy due to timely actions,” she stated.
The minister also emphasized the need for long-term climate resilience strategies, vowing to implement advanced early-warning systems across the province. “Climate change has turned into a full-scale disaster. We will formulate a comprehensive strategy based on lessons learned during this flood,” she said.
Looking ahead, Aurangzeb confirmed that a post-flood anti-encroachment drive will be launched as part of recovery efforts.
“Our top priority is the rehabilitation of affected citizens and compensation for losses,” she said.
Read more: Massive Flood-wave Heads Toward Southern Punjab, Thousands Flee Homes
