Key Points
- Over 450,000 animals were relocated to safety due to flooding in Punjab
- Maryam Nawaz described the operation as the “largest rescue operation in history”
- The floods worsened due to continuous rainfall and excess water from India’s spillways
- CM praised the swift actions of the Provincial Disaster Management Authority and local officials
- Efforts to clear water at Kartarpur Gurdwara in Narowal were completed in just 24 hours, preventing further damage
- PTA Provides Free Voice Minutes to Flood-Hit Areas in Punjab
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has praised the swift actions of various authorities in ensuring the safety of residents during floods. On Saturday, she revealed that more than 600,000 people and around 450,000 livestock had been relocated to safer areas in response to the rising floodwaters.
The Punjab Chief Minister continued her briefing, calling the mass evacuation of people and animals from flood-hit areas the “largest rescue operation in our history.”
“We’re dealing with an unprecedented situation, one we haven’t seen in decades,” CM Maryam said. “Non-stop rainfall has caused ongoing issues, and when our neighbour, India, opened their spillways, the extra water flowed into our rivers, causing them to overflow.”
Maryam Nawaz highlighted the efficient response from the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA), as well as the efforts of commissioners and deputy commissioners across the province. She expressed gratitude for their quick and organized actions, which helped minimize the damage from the floods.
One of the standout efforts she commended was the rapid drainage of water at Kartarpur Gurdwara in Narowal, where floodwaters had reached an alarming 12 feet. Thanks to the district administration’s quick work, the water was cleared within just 24 hours, preventing further damage to the sacred site.
Acknowledging the critical role of the Pakistan Army, Maryam Nawaz also praised the collaborative work of all involved in the rescue and relief operations. “The performance of all teams has been exemplary during this difficult time,” she stated.
In a follow-up meeting on Saturday, the Chief Minister issued clear instructions to ensure that districts at risk of flooding, including Multan, Okara, and Sahiwal, are evacuated on time. She urged the authorities to prioritize relief operations and promised full support to those affected.
“We will make sure that all available resources are deployed to help our people,” she added, also suggesting that school buildings be used as shelters for displaced families until further arrangements are made.
Additionally, she emphasised the importance of restoring communication systems swiftly once the floodwaters recede, ensuring that affected communities can receive the help they need.
PTA provides free voice minutes to flood-hit areas in Punjab
In response to the devastating floods in Punjab, the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has partnered with cellular mobile operators (CMOs) to offer free voice minutes to flood-affected subscribers.
The initiative aims to help residents stay connected with their families and emergency services, even if they have zero balance. PTA commended CMOs for their cooperation and reassured the public of continued monitoring to ensure uninterrupted communication services.
