The Punjab Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) has issued a detailed report highlighting the extensive destruction caused by recent floods in the Ravi, Sutlej, and Chenab rivers. According to Punjab Relief Commissioner Nabil Javed, more than 2,300 villages and 1.5 million people have been directly impacted by the disaster, making it one of the most severe flood situations in recent years.
Scale of Destruction Across Punjab
Relief Commissioner Nabil Javed confirmed that a total of 1.516 million people have been affected. Among them, more than 481,000 citizens who were trapped in floodwaters have been successfully relocated to safer areas.
The floods have caused widespread destruction, leaving thousands of families displaced, farmlands submerged, and livestock at risk. The scale of devastation reflects the intensity of water flow from rivers, worsened by heavy rains and rising levels in upstream dams.
The disaster has affected several major districts of Punjab, where both urban and rural populations are facing challenges ranging from food shortages to healthcare crises.
Relief and Rescue Operations
The PDMA, in collaboration with local administrations and other government agencies, has launched extensive rescue and relief operations across the province.
- 511 relief camps have been established in flood-affected districts.
- 351 medical camps are providing urgent healthcare facilities to flood victims.
- 321 veterinary camps have been set up to provide treatment for livestock.
According to official data, 450,000 animals have been successfully shifted to safe places during rescue operations. This is particularly important in Punjab, where agriculture and livestock play a vital role in rural livelihoods.
Commissioner Nabil Javed stressed that protecting animals is equally critical, as they are directly linked to the income and survival of rural families.
Water Levels in Major Rivers
The situation in Punjab’s major rivers remains volatile. The PDMA report provides detailed statistics about the water flow recorded at various barrages and headworks:
- Chenab River, Marala: 111,000 cusecs
- Chenab River, Khanki Head Works: 170,000 cusecs
- Chenab River, Qadirabad: 171,000 cusecs
- Chenab River, Head Trimo: 146,000 cusecs (increasing)
- Ravi River, Jasar: 78,000 cusecs
- Ravi River, Shahdara: 138,000 cusecs (decreasing)
- Ravi River, Baloki Head Works: 199,000 cusecs (increasing)
- Ravi River, Head Sadhanai: inflow 32,000 cusecs, outflow 18,000 cusecs
- Sutlej River, Ganda Singh Wala: 333,000 cusecs (increasing)
- Sutlej River, Sulemanki: 138,000 cusecs
These figures highlight that several rivers, particularly the Sutlej, continue to pose a serious threat to surrounding communities.
Dam Storage Levels: A Growing Concern
Alongside river flooding, dam storage levels have also reached alarming thresholds:
- Mangla Dam: 80% full
- Tarbela Dam: 100% full
- Bhakra Dam (India, Sutlej River): 84% full
- Pong Dam (India): 94% full
- Thein Dam (India): 92% full
The near-capacity levels of these dams, especially Tarbela and Pong, have raised concerns about additional water releases, which could further intensify the flood situation downstream in Punjab.
Casualties and Human Losses
The floods have already claimed lives. According to PDMA’s report:
- 30 people have died due to drowning in floodwaters.
- 2 people lost their lives due to lightning strikes in Lahore during severe thunderstorms.
The numbers may rise as rescue teams continue to access remote and submerged areas where communication and transportation remain difficult.
Impact on Agriculture and Livelihoods
Punjab, known as the breadbasket of Pakistan, is highly vulnerable to floods due to its extensive agricultural lands. The flooding of villages has destroyed standing crops of rice, sugarcane, cotton, and maize, putting immense pressure on farmers.
Nabil Javed emphasized that in line with the directives of the Chief Minister of Punjab, farmers’ losses will be compensated. Assessments are currently underway to calculate crop damage and ensure timely financial relief.
The impact of floods on agriculture could also trigger food supply shortages and inflation in the coming months, further burdening an already struggling economy.
Government’s Response and Future Strategy
Relief Commissioner Nabil Javed assured that citizens’ losses will be compensated and that the government is fully committed to providing aid. He also highlighted that ongoing rescue operations will continue until all citizens are relocated to safety.
The Punjab government has also sought assistance from the federal government, armed forces, and international aid organizations to manage the disaster more effectively. Helicopters, boats, and heavy machinery have been deployed in multiple districts for evacuation and relief delivery.
Additionally, the PDMA is developing long-term flood management strategies, which include:
- Strengthening embankments of rivers.
- Expanding early warning systems.
- Building climate-resilient infrastructure.
- Enhancing coordination with neighboring India regarding water releases from dams.
Link Between Climate Change and Flooding
Experts highlight that climate change has significantly increased the intensity and frequency of floods in South Asia. Rising global temperatures have led to:
- Heavier and more unpredictable monsoon rains.
- Faster glacial melting in the Himalayas, contributing to river overflow.
- Increased pressure on dams and reservoirs.
Pakistan, despite contributing less than 1% to global greenhouse gas emissions, is among the most climate-vulnerable countries in the world. The 2022 super floods affected 33 million people nationwide, and the 2024 flood season shows similar alarming patterns.
International Reactions and Aid Prospects
International humanitarian organizations are closely monitoring the situation. Relief groups such as the Red Crescent and UN agencies are expected to mobilize support if the crisis worsens.
Neighboring countries and global partners may also extend aid, as Punjab remains a key agricultural hub whose stability impacts not only Pakistan but also the region’s food security.
Public Sentiment and Social Media Reactions
On social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter) and Facebook, citizens have been actively sharing visuals of flooded villages, appeals for help, and reports of rescue operations. Many have expressed appreciation for the efforts of rescue workers, while others have criticized the for inadequate preventive measures.
Public pressure is mounting for the government to invest more in disaster preparedness rather than just post-disaster relief.
Conclusion
The floods in Punjab have emerged as a humanitarian crisis, displacing over 1.5 million people, destroying thousands of villages, and devastating agriculture. With rivers overflowing, dams nearing capacity, and rains continuing, the situation remains precarious.
Relief Commissioner Nabil Javed has assured that citizens will be compensated and protected, but the scale of the disaster underscores the urgent need for comprehensive climate adaptation policies. As Punjab fights this natural calamity, the resilience of its people and the effectiveness of government relief operations will determine how quickly the province can recover from one of the most destructive flood seasons in recent history.
