Punjab reels from devastating deluge

In August, Punjab was hit by an unanticipated flood disaster, with rising river water levels inundating not only villages but also posh residential areas. One month later, the local authorities have announced the scale of the monetary and infrastructural losses.

Approximately 27 districts, 64 tehsils, and 3,775 villages across Punjab have been affected by the floods. Nearly 161,000 houses have suffered damage, with 115,700 houses partially damaged and 46,000 houses completely destroyed. A survey of 742 healthcare facilities revealed that 395 centers were damaged, with 315 suffering severe structural disfigurement. Similarly, 667 schools were affected, 217 of which were temporarily converted into shelter homes.

Furthermore, the M-5 Motorway sustained damage at 13 locations, while more than 200 national and district-level roads across the province were also affected. In districts where floodwaters entered, many routes became impassable, and several roads appeared to have been completely destroyed. Although water is gradually receding, the situation remains extremely dire.

In Kasur, heavy water inflow from the Sutlej River has caused significant destruction, wiping out entire villages. Victims have appealed to the government for compensation and have requested permanent housing. A local resident, Muhammad Ramzan, stated that many of his relatives' homes in the suburbs of Kasur were destroyed. “We lack the financial means to rebuild. The government must arrange housing and employment support for us,” beseeched Ramzan.

In Bahawalnagar, the situation remains equally critical. Floodwater up to 4 to 5 feet still inundates affected areas even a month after the disaster and people remain stuck without shelter or food. The recent catastrophic flooding has severely impacted many other districts as well, particularly in Southern and Central Punjab.

According to initial reports by government and relief agencies, the worst-affected districts include: Muzaffargarh, Multan, Rahim Yar Khan, Bahawalpur, Lodhran, Layyah, Dera Ghazi Khan and Rajanpur.

According to the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) and relevant agencies, over 140 people have died, and hundreds have been injured across Punjab. An estimated 1.5 to 4.5 million people have been directly affected and displaced to safer areas.

The agriculture sector has suffered the most, with cotton, rice, sugarcane, and vegetable crops completely destroyed. Reports indicate that around 2.2 to 2.5 million acres of farmland have been submerged. This has not only wiped out a year’s worth of farmers’ efforts but is also expected to severely impact the national economy.

Thousands of houses have either collapsed or suffered heavy damage, while dozens of roads and bridges have been destroyed. Furthermore, according to the Irrigation Department, several barrages and canals require immediate repairs.

Experts have raised concerns over the impact of the floods on wildlife and aquatic life, as many bird species and wild animals living along the riverbanks have been displaced, and some protected areas are now underwater.

Initial estimates suggest that the economic loss in Punjab alone ranges between Rs300 to Rs350 billion, while at the national level, total damages are estimated at Rs409 billion.

Punjab Relief Commissioner Nabeel Javed revealed that they had set up 271 relief, 300 medical, and 283 veterinary camps while 2.638 million people and 2.117 million animals had been rescued and shifted to safe locations. "All citizens' losses will be compensated transparently and efficiently, and the damage assessment survey is already underway,” said Javed.

Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has instructed that the survey must be completed within one month, after which financial aid will be provided to the affected individuals. The data collection also includes additional details such as the damage to crops, livestock, roads, bridges, and communication networks.