Floods Trigger Humanitarian Crisis in Punjab; Over 2.4 Million Displaced

LAHORE, Sept 13 — Widespread flooding across central and southern Punjab has created a severe humanitarian crisis, with millions displaced, villages submerged, and communication cut off in several areas.

Key Highlights

• 97 deaths reported in Punjab so far, PDMA confirms
• 2.45 million people displaced from 4,500 villages along Chenab, Ravi, Sutlej
• 19 controlled breaches carried out to protect Jalalpur and Alipur
• Shujabad breach floods villages; one worker feared dead
• Drones deployed in Seetpur to deliver food to stranded families
• Indus overflow submerges 30 villages in Dadu, Sindh

Punjab’s Worst Flood in History

Punjab Relief Commissioner Nabil Javaid said the province is facing the “biggest flood in history”. More than 1.9 million cattle have been shifted to safer areas, while floodwaters continue to damage crops and homes.

The Flood Forecasting Division (FFD) warned of very high flood levels at Head Panjnad, Sidhnai and Ganda Singh Wala, while high flood persists at Head Sulemanki, Head Islam and Mailsi Syphon.

Evacuations and Controlled Breaches

Authorities carried out 19 controlled breaches to save Jalalpur and Alipur. In Shujabad, a dyke collapsed, flooding several villages and threatening the town. Rescue attempts are ongoing, but three workers were swept away — two rescued, one still missing.

In Alipur, breaches on Seetpur Road diverted floodwaters but submerged villages and left thousands stranded on rooftops. A rescue boat capsized in Darabpur village, though all passengers were saved.

Use of Drones for Relief

With roads submerged and communication down, drones are being used in Seetpur to deliver food to stranded families. Residents say clean drinking water is scarce, with hand pumps producing contaminated water.

Rescue teams have evacuated nearly 20,000 people in 24 hours from flood-hit districts including Bahawalpur, Rahim Yar Khan, Lodhran, Pakpattan, and Bahawalnagar.

Sindh Also Hit

The overflowing Indus River inundated 30 villages in Dadu, displacing thousands. Medical camps and mobile ambulances have been set up to deal with rising cases of waterborne diseases.

PM Commends Relief Efforts

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif praised all provincial governments for their role in relief operations, and lauded Punjab CM Maryam Nawaz for what he called “leading from the front.”

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