Several villages along the Sutlej River belt, including Bahram Hathaṛ, Bonga Chakoka, Mari Chakoka, Lundi Dadu, and Sharaf Shah, remain submerged under floodwaters reaching up to five feet, officials and residents reported on Monday.
Thousands of flood-affected families have been forced to relocate under extremely difficult conditions. Locals said private boat operators are charging Rs10,000 to transport families and as much as Rs20,000 for evacuating livestock, placing additional financial strain on already distressed communities.
Residents also complained of acute shortages of food and clean drinking water, while access to populated areas has been completely cut off due to the flooding. In Bahramka, authorities were forced to cut through a road to protect a nearby graveyard from being submerged.
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The crisis has severely impacted livestock owners as well, with fodder prices rising sharply from Rs400 per maund to Rs700–800. Farmers fear the shortage could lead to widespread animal losses if relief efforts are not expedited.
Local authorities said rescue and relief operations are underway, but many stranded families are still awaiting assistance. Residents have urged the Punjab government and disaster management authorities to increase relief supplies, restore connectivity, and regulate private evacuation services to prevent exploitation.
