The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has confirmed that close to 150,000 people have been relocated from vulnerable flood-prone regions. This large-scale evacuation came after early alerts regarding the rising water levels in the Sutlej River and the heightened risk of flooding across several Punjab districts.
Evacuation Efforts in Flood-Prone Districts
Acting on advance warnings, the Punjab Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) launched swift evacuation operations. Emergency response teams were deployed in multiple flood-prone districts to safeguard lives and minimize potential damage. All relevant departments were placed on high alert to ensure an immediate response.
According to NDMA’s official data, the largest number of evacuations occurred in Bahawalnagar, where 89,868 residents were relocated. Kasur followed with 14,140 evacuations, while Okara saw 2,063 people moved to safer areas. Smaller but significant evacuations included 873 from Pakpattan, 361 from Bahawalpur, and 165 from Vehari.
Early Evacuations Reduced Risk
The NDMA further reported that approximately 40,000 individuals had already shifted to safer areas soon after the initial alerts were issued. Authorities stated that this proactive movement played a crucial role in minimizing immediate risk to human life.
The swift response demonstrates the effectiveness of early-warning systems in disaster management. Officials emphasized that continuous monitoring of the flood situation would determine further evacuations as water levels evolve.
Citizens Advised to Remain Vigilant
NDMA has directed all institutions and emergency services to maintain maximum vigilance during this period. Citizens have been strongly advised to avoid rivers, streams, and low-lying areas. Authorities also urged the public to refrain from unnecessary travel in flood-affected zones to ensure safety and prevent disruptions in rescue operations.
To improve outreach, safety guidelines are being circulated through multiple platforms, including television, radio, mobile alerts, and the Pak NDMA Disaster Alert app. The authority stressed that public cooperation is essential to avoid casualties and reduce damage to property.
The large-scale evacuation of nearly 150,000 people highlights the urgent nature of the current flood threat in Punjab. With river levels continuing to rise, NDMA and PDMA are maintaining strict monitoring while urging citizens to remain alert and follow official safety instructions.
