Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif visited flood-hit areas of Punjab on Thursday. They were briefed on the destruction caused by rising waters from the Ravi, Chenab, and Sutlej rivers.
Before leaving, Chairman NDMA Lieutenant General Inam Haider updated the Prime Minister on the overall flood situation across Pakistan. During an aerial survey, PM Shehbaz was briefed on ongoing rescue and relief efforts, especially in Narowal and Gujranwala division, which are among the worst flood-hit areas.
The Prime Minister directed authorities to take “all necessary steps” to prevent further damage and to accelerate relief operations. Both leaders are also expected to receive a detailed briefing during their stop in Narowal.
Casualties and Displacement
Officials confirmed that at least 15 people have died in Gujranwala division. The deaths include five in Sialkot, four in Gujrat, three in Narowal, two in Hafizabad, and one in Gujranwala. Three more individuals remain missing.
So far, over 150,000 people and 35,000 livestock have been evacuated. More than 600,000 people have been affected across Punjab. Nearly 769 villages have been submerged, with millions of acres of farmland destroyed. According to UNOCHA, monsoon-related deaths this year are nearly three times higher than last year.
Historic Site Submerged
In Narowal, floodwaters entered the Gurdwara Darbar Sahib Kartarpur, submerging its grounds. Emergency teams rescued over 150 Sikh pilgrims and staff trapped inside. Federal Minister Ahsan Iqbal and provincial minister Ramesh Singh Arora supervised the rescue.
Relief Operations Underway
Flood-hit areas extend to Sheikhupura, Nankana Sahib, Okara, Tandlianwala tehsil in Faisalabad, and parts of Sahiwal. Several villages remain underwater, including Hira, Nawan Kot, and Khizra Abad in Nankana Sahib. In Okara, Jandran Kalan, home to over 30,000 residents, has been inundated.
The Punjab government has set up 263 relief camps and 161 medical camps in the affected districts. Authorities are distributing food, medical supplies, and temporary shelters while emergency teams stay on high alert to assist families in flood-hit areas.
In other news read more about Punjab Imposes Section 144 as People Flock to Bridges for Selfies Amid Floods
