Relief Commissioner Punjab Nabeel Javed has announced that rescue and relief efforts have been intensified in the districts near the Sutlej River. 8 relief camps have been set up in Okara with 66 rescuers and two ambulances are actively participating in the rescue operations, and the Punjab Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) has provided 15 boats, 376 life jackets, 75 life rings, and other equipment to the rescue teams. So far, 437 people have been rescued in Okara district, and 2,481 individuals have been relocated to safe areas. Additionally, 62 animals have also been rescued.
In Kasur district, the rescue operation has been completed, with the dedicated efforts of 271 rescuers, 3 ambulances, and officers from various organizations who worked tirelessly day and night to ensure timely rescue operations. PDMA provided 83 boats, 478 life jackets, 95 life rings, 34 wireless sets, and other equipment to aid the rescue operations in Kasur. A total of 3,430 people have been rescued, 11,990 individuals have been safely relocated, and 518 animals have also been rescued. On special instructions from the chief minister, the number of relief camps in Kasur has been increased from 11 to 16, he added.
In Pakpattan district, he said that 12 relief camps have been established. So far, 43 people have been rescued, and 2,906 individuals have been relocated to safe places. PDMA has provided 7 boats and 70 life jackets, along with 26 life rings, 6 wireless sets, and other equipment to assist the rescue teams, he noted.
In Bahawalnagar district, 8 relief camps have been set up, and 60 rescuers, along with an ambulance, are engaged in rescue and relief activities. PDMA has provided 8 boats, 145 life jackets, 16 life rings, 16 wireless sets, and other equipment to support the rescue teams. Thus far, 12 people have been rescued, and 159 individuals have been relocated to safe areas in Bahawalnagar, he stated.
Regarding the Vehari district, a total of 5 relief camps have been established, and 50 rescuers have been deployed. They have access to 70 life jackets, 25 life rings, 9 wireless sets, and other equipment, he conveyed. Although there is currently no flood situation in Vehari district, the rescue teams have been instructed to remain alert in case of any emergency. PDMA was continuously monitoring the situation, and DG PDMA Imran Qureshi was leading the efforts to assist flood victims. Vaccination of animals belonging to the affected individuals is also underway to prevent diseases. The relief commissioner assured that adequate medical facilities have been provided in all the relief camps across the districts. Efforts are underway to ensure the swift return of flood victims to their homes, he concluded.