Punjab Floods: Death Toll Rises to 30, Over 15 Million Affected
by Muhammad Shahjahan
Amid large-scale rescue and relief operations in Punjab, the death toll from the devastating floods in Pakistan’s most populous province has climbed to 30, Senior Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb confirmed on Saturday.
According to the minister, 15,016,603 people have been impacted, while more than 481,000 residents were evacuated from submerged areas and moved to safer locations.
The situation worsened as heavy monsoon rains and water releases from India caused rivers including the Sutlej, Ravi, and Chenab to swell.
Nationwide, the flooding has claimed over 840 lives since late June, inflicting massive destruction on infrastructure, homes, and farmland. With large portions of Punjab under water, neighboring Sindh is bracing for a possible “super flood.” Officials warn that a powerful flood wave could reach the Guddu Barrage by September 3, putting low-lying regions at severe risk.
Aurangzeb shared further details, revealing that floodwaters have inundated 2,038 settlements across Punjab — 1,169 along the Chenab, 462 near the Ravi, and 391 near the Sutlej.
In the past 36 hours alone, 68,477 people were rescued, while authorities have set up 511 relief camps and 351 medical centers to provide round-the-clock assistance. Around 6,373 displaced residents remain in camps, while over 405,000 livestock have been shifted to safety. Additionally, 321 veterinary camps are operating to care for the animals.
To strengthen rescue operations, the number of boats deployed has risen to 808, the minister said, stressing that the government’s priority remains rehabilitation of victims and restoration of damaged areas.
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