Lahore: Director General of the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) Punjab, Irfan Ali Kathia, stated that floods in Punjab have affected 4,000 villages and submerged 1.3 million acres of agricultural land.
Speaking on Geo News’ program Geo Pakistan, DG PDMA Irfan Ali Kathia said that rescue operations in Gujrat are facing difficulties due to heavy rains. However, unexpected rainfall in Gujrat is not unprecedented, as this pattern has been ongoing with spells bringing 300 to 400 millimeters of rain.
He emphasized that the next 24 hours are crucial for Multan. Due to the flood situation in the three rivers, 4,000 villages have been affected and 1.3 million acres of agricultural land submerged—an unprecedented scenario.
The DG PDMA stressed that protecting human lives remains the foremost priority, and any decision to break a breach is made only after thorough technical assessments.
Irfan Ali Kathia also reported that a flood discharge of 1.05 million cusecs was recorded at Khanki. The flood has also impacted the railway tracks system throughout Punjab.
At Sher Shah on the Chenab River, water levels have surpassed the extreme danger mark. There is a breach in the Sudhnai Canal, making the next 24 hours critical for Multan.
Flood-related deaths in Punjab have reached 46, with 3.5 million people affected so far.
