Punjab Flood Crisis Deepens as Rivers Overflow, Thousands Displaced

Lahore, August 22, 2025 — Floodwaters continue to wreak havoc in southern Punjab, with the situation in several districts turning critical after heavy monsoon rains and river overflows.

Key Updates

• Mass Displacement:
  Thousands of families have been forced to leave their homes in Layyah, Taunsa Sharif, Kot Addu, Dera Ghazi Khan, Muzaffargarh, Rajanpur, and Multan. Many are taking shelter in relief camps or staying with relatives.
• Sutlej River on High Alert:
  The PDMA reported rising water levels in the Sutlej River, with Ganda Singh Wala at a medium-level flood stage. The situation may worsen with ongoing rains and water releases from India.
• Damage to Agriculture & Infrastructure:
  Floods have destroyed standing crops of paddy, maize, and cotton, dealing a blow to farmers. Protective bunds and key roads, including those linked to the Layyah-Taunsa bridge, have been washed away, hampering relief efforts.

• Rescue & Relief Operations:
  Rescue 1122 teams and district administrations are evacuating stranded families by boat. Relief camps are providing cooked food, clean drinking water, and medical facilities to displaced citizens.
• Government Response:
  The PDMA has issued a province-wide high alert, urging residents in riverine areas to move to safer ground. The government has also ordered a special assessment of crop losses to ensure timely farmer compensation.

The Meteorological Department has forecast another spell of torrential rains in the coming days, raising fears of further flooding and devastation across Punjab.

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