Punjab is now facing one of its most severe flooding in nearly 40 years, with officials declaring it the worst disaster of its kind since the 1988 floods. Swollen rivers, relentless rainfall, and collapsing embankments have already left vast stretches of
- Kasur
- Sialkot
- Narowal submerged
Experts kept on giving warnings that this is just the beginning, as the floodwaters move downstream into the heart of Punjab.
Millions at Risk
Early estimates suggest that over 20 million people across Punjab may feel the brunt of this disaster. With the Sutlej, Chenab, and Ravi rivers overflowing simultaneously, the danger is not restricted to rural belts but extends into densely populated urban centers as well. Entire communities encounter the risk of being displaced, with schools, hospitals, and markets susceptible to overflow and outpouring.
Authorities have sounded the alarm over the potential scale of destruction. Infrastructure worth trillions of rupees—including roads, bridges, power lines and irrigation systems—stands exposed.
The damage could set back development in Punjab for years, if not decades. Beyond physical losses, the human toll is anticipated to be wobbling. Professionals have also given warning of food insecurity as crops across fertile plains risk being destroyed, crippling the agricultural backbone of the province.
Race Against Time
Rescue teams are working around the clock to move people out of danger zones. Boats, helicopters, and heavy machinery have been deployed, while makeshift relief camps are being set up for displaced families. Still, officials admit the scale of the crisis is formidable.
“We are fighting against time,” one rescue worker said, as more water continues to come into the rivers from upstream catchment areas.
Lessons From the Past
The flood brings back some of the memories of 1988, when Punjab was struck by similar devastation. Yet experts note that Pakistan’s vulnerability to floods has only grown due to
- unchecked urban expansion
- encroachments on riverbeds
- inadequate investment in flood control infrastructure
Unity and Preparedness: The need of an hour
The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has given instructions to the citizens to heed evacuation orders and cooperate with local administrations.
As Punjab braces for what may become its worst flood in living memory, the coming days will test the government’s preparedness and the resilience of millions of ordinary Pakistanis who they endured all this and worked for saving lives.