Death Toll in Punjab Floods Rises to 30, Over 1.5 Million Displaced
LAHORE: The death toll in Punjab floods rises to 30 as heavy rains and overflowing rivers have displaced more than 1.5 million people across the province, Senior Provincial Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb confirmed on Saturday.
According to her statement, floodwaters from three major rivers have inundated 2,038 villages, forcing mass evacuations. She said the Punjab government, under the direct supervision of the Chief Minister, is carrying out a large-scale rescue and relief operation with the support of all relevant institutions.
Aurangzeb said that 481,000 people have been moved to safe locations, while 511 relief camps and 351 medical camps are operating around the clock. Currently, 6,373 individuals are being sheltered at these facilities.
She further added that over 405,000 livestock have been relocated to secure areas, supported by 321 veterinary camps to prevent disease outbreaks. The number of rescue boats in operation has now increased to 808.
Highlighting the gravity of the crisis, the minister said climate change has now “taken the shape of devastation,” stressing that Pakistan’s recent experiences demand a comprehensive strategy to minimize future losses. She announced that once recovery operations are completed, an anti-encroachment drive will be launched and early warning systems upgraded across Punjab.
Despite the heavy toll, officials maintain that precautionary measures helped avert an even larger tragedy. Rescue teams continue to operate in the affected villages, while relief efforts are expected to expand in the coming days as water levels remain dangerously high.
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