Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz visited the Ravi River at Shahdara on Thursday to assess the flood situation firsthand, expressing relief that timely preparations helped prevent a major disaster in the province. She highlighted the immense pressure on Punjab’s rivers due to recent heavy rains, emphasizing the need for improved water storage and drainage systems to avoid future catastrophes.
During her visit, CM Maryam Nawaz boarded a boat to inspect the flood situation along the Ravi River, which has seen dangerously high water levels due to severe rainfall in recent weeks. Speaking to the media, she acknowledged that the province’s three major rivers had been under extreme pressure, with water levels reaching unprecedented heights.
“This is the most water I have ever seen in the Ravi River,” said CM Maryam, emphasizing that the government’s timely actions had helped prevent potential catastrophic damage. She commended the local administration and rescue teams for their proactive response, stating that no lives were lost due to negligence.
The province’s flood response efforts have seen over 50,000 people and large numbers of livestock safely relocated to safer areas, thanks to the swift actions of rescue teams. The Chief Minister reiterated her commitment to providing relief and recovery to every affected individual, pledging that the government would ensure fair compensation for losses incurred during the floods.
In her statement, CM Maryam also addressed the long-term challenge of managing floodwaters in the region. “Water is a blessing, but without proper storage systems and drainage planning, we are vulnerable,” she remarked, directing all relevant departments to develop concrete plans for better floodwater management in the future.
Meanwhile, Punjab Senior Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb confirmed that at least 12 people had lost their lives in the ongoing floods. She assured the public that no deaths were caused by government negligence, with rescue operations — including boat rescues — continuing actively. The rescue teams, some of whom have worked without sleep for up to five days, have also been providing food at relief camps and successfully relocating nearly 200,000 livestock to safety.
Minister Aurangzeb urged citizens to stay away from flood-hit areas, especially cautioning against risky behavior like taking selfies near water channels. She also expressed appreciation for the tireless efforts of rescue teams and local officials, as well as the media’s role in keeping the public informed.
