Lahore: In the wake of devastating floods that have ravaged Punjab, the provincial government has announced the formation of flood relief committees at both the district and tehsil levels to manage recovery efforts and distribute aid efficiently. The announcement comes as the death toll in the province has risen to 123, with 3,775 villages impacted across multiple districts.
Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, chairing a high-level meeting on Friday, revealed that the government will employ modern technology to ensure swift and transparent distribution of relief. “We have introduced a survey form, a mobile application, and a central monitoring dashboard for better coordination and oversight,” she said.
The floods, which hit 64 tehsils across 27 districts, have caused widespread destruction. Over 63,000 concrete houses and 309,000 mud houses have been damaged, leaving tens of thousands of people displaced. To aid in the assessment, a joint survey will be conducted by teams from various government departments, including the Urban Unit, Revenue Department, and Agriculture Department, as well as the Pakistan Army.
Maryam Nawaz emphasized that no flood victim would be left unsupported. “We will ensure that every individual is compensated for their losses,” she assured, also announcing the establishment of additional relief camps and distribution points across the affected areas.
The breach of the Sutlej River at Noraja Bhutta has exacerbated the crisis, flooding 150 villages in districts like Multan, Lodhran, and Bahawalpur. Thousands have been displaced as floodwaters spread across a 20-kilometre stretch near the Multan-Sukkur M-5 Motorway. The situation in Jalalpur Pirwala remains critical, with the authorities considering breaching the motorway to divert the water towards the Chenab River.
In response to the crisis, Multan Division Commissioner Amir Karim Khan has been overseeing the relief operations in Jalalpur Pirwala, while repair work continues on the damaged section of the motorway. The National Highway Authority is working with heavy machinery to restore traffic, although diversions are currently in place to manage the flooding.
The Punjab Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) Director General Irfan Ali Kathia confirmed that while floodwaters are receding in some areas, the damage remains severe. Over 1.17 million acres of farmland have been destroyed, and 1.25 million acres of crops have been ruined. Flood relief camps are operational across the province, with more than 1.5 million people evacuated and over 1.47 million livestock rescued.
Meanwhile, Yusuf Raza Gilani, Acting President of the PPP, visited the affected areas and suggested that Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) funds should be utilized to assist flood victims. However, government officials have indicated that aid will be channeled through other programs, prompting political discussions about the best course of action for relief efforts.
With recovery operations still in full swing, the government has reiterated its commitment to providing comprehensive aid, ensuring that those impacted by the devastating floods receive the necessary support for rebuilding their lives.
