Catastrophic floods have engulfed major parts of Punjab, leaving more than 1.1 million people displaced as heavy water flows from India continue to hit Pakistan. Rescue teams have so far evacuated 51,000 stranded residents, but authorities warn that the next 24 hours are critical for Lahore, Kasur, and Sahiwal.
Floodwaters entered several residential areas of Lahore, including Shahdara, Farrukhabad, Aziz Colony, Shafiqabad, and Badami Bagh. Private housing societies near Chuhng also suffered breaches, forcing thousands to abandon their homes. Residents were seen carrying essential belongings under the open sky while many sought shelter with relatives.
The Punjab Public Service Commission (PPSC) has postponed all examinations scheduled for August 30 and 31, while 16 colleges in Lahore division and nearby districts remain closed. Metrobus stations at Shahdara and Niazi Adda have also been shut down due to inundation.
According to Deputy Commissioner Lahore Musa Raza, nearly 90% of residents in high-risk areas have been relocated. Relief camps have been set up in schools, while military forces have been deployed across nine districts, including Lodhran, Kasur, Sialkot, Faisalabad, Narowal, Okara, and Hafizabad.
The Flood Forecasting Division confirmed that River Ravi has reached extremely high flood levels at Shahdara and Siphon, with flows exceeding 217,000 cusecs. Meanwhile, River Chenab recorded a dangerous rise at Khanki with 859,000 cusecs, and another high flood wave is expected to hit Muzaffargarh today.
Hospitals across Punjab have been placed on emergency alert. The Punjab Healthcare Commission directed private hospitals to allocate 35% of beds for flood victims and provide free treatment. Emergency wards, ICUs, and HDUs are required to operate round-the-clock with uninterrupted supplies of medicines and blood products.
The disaster has also claimed dozens of lives. At least 17 people drowned in the past 48 hours, while others died due to electrocution and building collapses. Tragic incidents were reported in Narowal, Gujranwala, and Sialkot, where entire families were swept away.
Federal Information Minister Attaullah Tarar announced compensation of Rs. 2 million per victim for families who lost loved ones, while cautioning that illegal constructions on waterways will not be compensated. He added that over 200,000 people have been rescued with the support of the Pakistan Army and provincial authorities.
Agricultural losses are staggering as hundreds of thousands of acres of crops have been destroyed across Punjab. In Narang Mandi and Sialkot, fertile farmlands now lie submerged. Meanwhile, Sialkot International Airport was forced to shut down after floodwaters reached three feet, diverting several flights to Lahore.
Read More: Rivers in Punjab Face Extraordinary Flood Situation
Meteorological officials warn of more heavy rainfall from August 29 to September 2 in Islamabad and parts of Punjab, raising fears of worsening conditions. Authorities have urged residents in low-lying areas to evacuate immediately as the risk of major breaches in protective embankments continues to rise.
