Punjab is grappling with widespread devastation as flooding from swollen rivers has now claimed 30 lives and disrupted the lives of more than 15 million people across the province. Senior Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb provided an update on Saturday, revealing the scale of both the human and infrastructural toll.

“The floods have affected over 15 million residents, with more than 481,000 people evacuated to safer locations,” Aurangzeb said.

Torrential Rains and Rising Rivers Worsen Crisis

The recent surge in water levels in Punjab’s rivers—particularly the Sutlej, Ravi, and Chenab—is being driven by heavy rainfall and increased water discharge from India. The combination has left thousands of settlements submerged, forcing mass evacuations and ongoing rescue operations.

Since late June, nationwide floods have claimed over 840 lives, causing extensive damage to homes, roads, and essential infrastructure. Punjab remains at the center of the emergency, while neighboring Sindh is bracing for potential flooding in the coming days as water from the Punjab rivers approaches its borders. Officials warn that a major flood wave is expected to pass through the Guddu Barrage on September 3, posing a serious risk to low-lying areas.

Thousands of Communities Impacted

Aurangzeb detailed the local impact, noting that 2,038 settlements in Punjab have been affected. Chenab River alone inundated 1,169 settlements, Ravi impacted 462, and Sutlej affected 391.

“The last 36 hours saw the rescue of 68,477 people across the province,” the minister added. Emergency efforts include 511 relief camps and 351 medical camps operating around the clock to support displaced residents.

Livestock and Rescue Efforts Ramp Up

Authorities have also prioritized the safety of livestock, relocating over 405,000 animals and establishing 321 veterinary camps to ensure their wellbeing. The rescue operation has been expanded with 808 boats now deployed to reach stranded individuals.

Aurangzeb emphasized that restoring affected communities and repairing damaged infrastructure remain the government’s immediate priorities.

Looking Ahead

With rivers continuing to swell and rains expected to persist, experts warn that the coming days could see further disruptions. The situation underscores the urgent need for both short-term relief and long-term flood mitigation strategies in Pakistan’s most vulnerable regions.