The ongoing Punjab floods have resulted in multiple boat capsizing incidents during rescue operations, leaving around 30 people dead and several others missing. Most of the victims are women, children, and elderly individuals who could not withstand the strong water currents.
Rescue workers reported at least 10 separate accidents across flood-hit districts, including Jalalpur Pirwala, Liaquatpur, Minchinabad, Alipur, and Uch Sharif.
The boats overturned while evacuating stranded residents as water levels continued to rise. So far, more than 30 lives have been lost, while search teams are still looking for over eight missing people.
Rescue DG and Emergency Services Secretary Dr. Rizwan addressed the issue, calling the incidents unfortunate but unavoidable during large-scale operations. “When 320,000 people are evacuated and there are floods in three rivers at the same time, such accidents, though tragic, can occur,” he explained.
Provincial leaders also pointed to public panic as a key factor in the accidents. Ministers Rana Sikandar Hayat and Malik Sohaib Ahmed Barth said that when rescue boats arrive, residents often rush in without following instructions. “In their desperation, people jump onto the boats at once, creating dangerous situations,” they noted.
Officials have stressed that while rescue teams are working around the clock, the scale of the Punjab floods has created enormous challenges. With three rivers overflowing, rescue operations face constant risks, and resources are stretched thin.
Despite these difficulties, authorities remain committed to saving lives. However, they have urged affected residents to remain calm during evacuations to prevent further tragedies.
The Punjab floods continue to disrupt daily life, forcing thousands from their homes and placing immense pressure on emergency services. With search and rescue operations ongoing, officials fear the death toll could rise if conditions do not improve soon.
In other news read more about Flood Tragedy in Jalalpur Pirwala: Second Boat Capsizes, Nine Dead
