In a significant advancement for disaster management in Pakistan, the Punjab government has unveiled the country’s first airlift drone to enhance flood rescue operations.
This innovative drone is capable of lifting individuals weighing up to 200 kilograms and transporting them to safety, representing a major milestone in the region’s emergency response capabilities. The Home Secretary has ordered the immediate deployment of the drone to Multan, where it will be utilized in ongoing rescue efforts amid severe flooding.
Prior to its deployment, the Civil Defence Department conducted successful test flights of the airlift drone in Lahore to ensure operational readiness. Officials have further announced plans to procure an additional 10 drones, aiming to expand the province’s capacity for rapid and efficient disaster response.
This initiative forms part of the “Punjab Civil Defence Resilience Corps,” which combines modern technology with trained personnel and volunteers working on the frontlines to save lives during emergencies such as floods, earthquakes, and other natural disasters.
The launch of the drone comes as the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) reports that the intensity of the monsoon season has decreased, with no major increase in river flows expected across Punjab in the coming days. While rainfall has subsided in the upper catchment areas, the province continues to face high to very high flood levels in several major rivers.
The Sutlej River, for example, recorded extremely high flood levels at Ganda Singh Wala with a flow of 230,000 cusecs, while Sulemanki experienced high flood levels at 137,000 cusecs.
On the Chenab River, Marala recorded 62,000 cusecs, Khanki and Qadirabad both registered low floods at 98,000 cusecs, and Trimmu reached 250,000 cusecs. Panjnad faced an extremely high flood level at 475,000 cusecs. Similarly, the Ravi River reported flows of 26,000 cusecs at Jassar, 31,000 cusecs at Shahdara, 80,000 cusecs at Balloki headworks, and 121,000 cusecs at Sidhnai.
The PDMA confirmed that all relevant departments remain on high alert under the directives of the Chief Minister of Punjab. Resources are being fully mobilized to protect lives and property, while river flows are being continuously monitored to ensure timely response to any emergencies.
The introduction of the airlift drone is expected to significantly enhance rescue operations, allowing authorities to save lives more efficiently and provide critical assistance to flood-affected communities across the province.
