669 boats race against rising tide

Large-scale rescue and relief operations are under way across flood-hit areas of Punjab, where thousands of people have been evacuated amid rising water levels in major rivers.

The provincial government, Rescue 1122, the police, army, civil defence, and volunteer organisations including the Edhi Foundation are working round the clock to prevent further loss of life and safeguard property.

According to Rescue 1122 figures, more than 51,129 people have been rescued from submerged villages along the Indus, Chenab, Ravi, Sutlej and Jhelum rivers. The service has deployed 669 boats across the province to evacuate residents and provide transportation to safer locations.

In the past 24 hours alone, at least 19,215 people were shifted from flood-hit areas, while 442 more were rescued on Thursday morning.

A Rescue 1122 spokesperson urged citizens in vulnerable locations to immediately call the emergency helpline 1122 in case of danger and provide accurate details of their location.

Inspector General Punjab Police Dr Usman Anwar directed Lahore police and district police officers (DPOs) in affected regions to remain on high alert. He said police were assisting rescue teams in shifting residents, protecting property in evacuated areas, and providing security at relief camps. "Punjab Police is standing shoulder to shoulder with rescue and relief agencies to safeguard the lives and belongings of citizens," he said.

Police have also been tasked with supporting the provision of food, drinking water, and medicines at relief centres while coordinating with PDMA, Rescue 1122, and district administrations.