Death toll in Punjab floods rises to 30, over 1.5mln displaced

Senior Provincial Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb has said that recent floods in Punjab have claimed 30 lives and affected more than 1.5 million people, though timely precautionary measures helped the province avert a much larger human tragedy.

According to her statement, floodwaters from three major rivers have impacted 2,038 villages across the province.

She noted that Punjab’s Chief Minister is directly supervising the grand rescue operation, with all institutions working together to support the affected population.

Aurangzeb highlighted that, more than 481,000 people have been shifted to safe locations.

511 relief camps and 351 medical camps are operating round the clock, currently sheltering 6,373 individuals.

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Over 405,000 livestock have been moved to secure areas, supported by 321 veterinary camps.

The number of boats deployed for rescue operations has increased to 808.

Marriyum Aurangzeb further stated that climate change has now taken the shape of devastation, adding that once recovery is complete, an anti-encroachment drive will be launched, and state-of-the-art early warning systems will be introduced in Punjab.

She asserted that, in light of recent experiences, a comprehensive strategy will be devised to minimize losses in the future.