Government approves aid as rivers threaten more damage
The Punjab government has approved Rs 20,000 per acre in financial assistance to compensate farmers for crop losses caused by flooding and heavy rains. The decision came during a meeting in Multan, where the Agriculture Secretary, Iftikhar Ali Sahoo, said around 2,000 survey teams are assessing damage across Punjab’s fields. Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz had already green‑lit the compensation package to support farmers in distress.
Sahoo noted that action plans are already in motion to meet wheat sowing targets and build on gains in cotton production; so far, Punjab has harvested 2.65 million bales of seed cotton, up from 1.846 million in the same period last year.
The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) has also issued warnings ahead of expected heavy rainfall and anticipated release of over 150,000 cusecs of water from India into the Chenab, Sutlej, and Ravi rivers. According to PDMA, Punjab’s flood risk is rising, especially in upper districts.
Flood forecasts, rising river flows, and emergency measures
Weather authorities have issued alerts for Islamabad, Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Gilgit‑Baltistan over the next 12 to 24 hours, especially in catchment areas of the Jhelum, Ravi, and Sutlej rivers. PDMA Director General Irfan Ali Kathia warned that rainfall up to 100 mm may lash parts of Punjab over the weekend and early next week. He said Head Marala is already handling 20,000 cusecs from Chenab, with more expected; Sutlej may see 50,000 cusecs, while Ravi could receive 35,000 cusecs from upstream sources.
A comprehensive damage survey is underway in 27 districts, with 2,213 teams deployed including army and local administration staff. The survey is expected to cover 69 tehsils by October 27. To assist flood victims, Bank of Punjab counters will be set up in each tehsil, offering Rs 50,000 immediately upon card issuance.
For complaints about damage assessments, a platform has been launched jointly by PDMA and the Punjab IT Board, promising resolution within seven days. Kathia emphasized that although Punjab has seen substantial flood relief funding over the years (over Rs 51 billion), the current damage is on a scale larger than previous floods.
Meanwhile, the National Emergencies Operation Centre (NEOC) echoed the weather warnings and urged residents to limit travel in hilly terrain, monitor updates via media and apps, and heed instructions from local authorities.
