Emergency Measures After Devastating Floods
Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has announced decisive steps to address the aftermath of recent floods that left thousands of people homeless across the province. Chairing a high-level meeting in Lahore, she ordered the removal of illegal settlements and encroachments built along natural waterways, stressing that such structures obstruct the flow of floodwaters and worsen destruction.
The Chief Minister emphasized that protecting communities from future disasters required both immediate relief and sustainable, long-term solutions.
Temporary Shelters and Basic Facilities
The meeting decided that temporary shelters, referred to as “marquees,” would be established in every district for families whose homes were destroyed or severely damaged. These shelters will provide separate spaces for men and women, clean drinking water, food supplies, and other essential services.
Maryam Nawaz assured that no affected family would be left without support. She pledged that victims would be relocated to safer housing before the onset of winter, reducing the risk of further hardship in the colder months.
Inclusion in Housing Programme
In a significant policy move, the Chief Minister announced that flood victims would be included in the provincial government’s “Apni Chhat, Apna Ghar” (My Roof, My Home) housing programme. The scheme aims to provide permanent housing to low-income families.
“I will not rest until every displaced family has a home again,” she declared, underlining her government’s commitment to long-term rehabilitation rather than temporary aid.
Survey and Monitoring for Transparency
To ensure a fair and transparent process, the Chief Minister directed that a detailed survey of flood damage be completed without delay. She insisted that digital record-keeping must be adopted to prevent misuse of resources.
A high-level committee has already been formed to supervise the survey and monitor the distribution of relief packages. Officials were instructed to maintain complete transparency at every stage.
Declaring Waterways as “Red Zones”
Maryam Nawaz also announced a crackdown on illegal constructions along rivers, streams, and natural drainage paths. These areas will now be designated as “red zones” where new building activity will be strictly prohibited.
She warned that encroachments blocking the natural flow of floodwaters would no longer be tolerated, as they significantly increase the risk of devastation during monsoon rains.
Call for a Comprehensive Flood Management Plan
Looking ahead, the Chief Minister highlighted the urgent need for a master plan on flood management in Punjab. This plan, she explained, must include both short-term and long-term strategies. It would not only address immediate recovery needs but also reduce future risks from natural disasters.
Such a plan, she argued, is essential to protect millions of people in a province that is regularly hit by seasonal floods due to heavy monsoon rains and overflowing rivers.
Voices of Responsibility
“People have lost their homes. How can we sit in peace?” Maryam Nawaz remarked during the meeting. “The public has pinned its hopes on me, and I will do everything possible to meet those expectations.”
Her remarks reflected both urgency and political accountability at a time when Punjab faces one of its toughest humanitarian challenges in recent years.
Background: Floods in Punjab
Punjab, Pakistan’s most populous province, has repeatedly suffered from seasonal flooding. Heavy monsoon rains, coupled with encroachments on waterways and inadequate urban planning, have left millions vulnerable.
According to the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), floods in Pakistan in 2022 affected nearly 33 million people nationwide, with Punjab and Sindh among the hardest-hit regions. The disaster caused widespread displacement, destruction of crops, and damages worth billions of dollars.
While this year’s flooding has not yet reached that scale, experts warn that without preventive measures, the province remains at serious risk in future monsoon seasons.
Looking Forward
The Punjab government’s announcements mark an important step toward not only immediate recovery but also climate resilience. By addressing illegal constructions and planning long-term flood management strategies, the provincial leadership hopes to reduce the cycle of destruction and relief that has plagued communities for decades.
For the victims, however, the priority remains clear: rapid rehabilitation, permanent housing, and the assurance that they will not be left alone when disaster strikes again.
