What Are the Consequences of Flooding in Pakistan's Punjab?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Over 4,100 villages impacted.
- 56 fatalities reported since August 26.
- Estimated 41 million people affected.
- Over 20 million individuals evacuated to safety.
- More than 500 medical camps operational.
Lahore, Sep 7 (NationPress) Devastating floods in Pakistan continue to wreak havoc across Punjab, impacting more than 4,100 villages in 25 districts and resulting in at least 56 fatalities since August 26, according to reports from local media that reference data from the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA).
PDMA Director General Irfan Ali Kathia informed the press that approximately 41 million individuals have been affected by this catastrophe.
In response to the extensive displacement, Kathia indicated that officials have established 425 relief camps and tent cities in the impacted regions, providing temporary shelter and sustenance, as reported by the leading Pakistani daily Dawn.
Additionally, he disclosed that over 500 medical camps are operational, offering treatment to nearly 175,000 patients suffering from injuries, infections, and waterborne illnesses.
Rescue operations have successfully relocated over 20 million individuals to safer areas. The Director General added that more than 15 million livestock have been moved to protective zones to secure the livelihoods in Punjab’s farming communities.
Previously, the PDMA announced that the ongoing flooding in Punjab has impacted over 4.2 million people and submerged more than 4,100 villages along the Ravi, Sutlej, and Chenab rivers.
In Multan, Deputy Commissioner Wasim Hamid Sindhu stated that the district administration has formulated a detailed action plan to address the anticipated increase in water levels from Head Trimmu.
While water levels at Head Muhammadwala and Shershah Flood Bund on the Chenab River have begun to decrease, alleviating pressure on flood defenses, officials caution that new inflows could elevate river levels again.
Since the start of the monsoon season on June 26, torrential rains and flooding have claimed over 900 lives and injured more than 1000 across the nation, as per the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA).
Local media reports indicate that the total number of individuals rescued and relocated to safety stands at 20,073,048, while 15,022,452 livestock have been moved to secure locations.
Authorities continue to closely monitor the situation, advising residents in low-lying areas to remain vigilant and cooperate with rescue teams.
New warnings have been issued for additional rainfall, while rescue teams remain prepared, and damage assessments are currently being conducted in the affected areas.