Maryam Nawaz vows relief for flood victims as Ravi River swells

Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz on Tuesday said the provincial government will stand with every citizen affected by the floods and ensure compensation for all losses.

Speaking to the media at the banks of River Ravi, the chief minister said every life is precious and its loss is irreparable. She added that she had never seen this much water in the Ravi in her lifetime.

The provincial chief executive said water is a blessing that must be preserved. She said she has directed her team to devise a strategy for water conservation. The chief minister also emphasized comprehensive planning to tackle flood situations and prevent future challenges.

She said, “The Punjab government will reach out to every affected family. In this hour of grief, we stand with the people.”

Maryam Nawaz said. She acknowledged the relentless efforts of the administration, adding that daily rains are causing difficulties but officials are ensuring drainage within three to four hours.

She said three rivers have received excess water, creating high flood levels, while the administration has worked day and night to mitigate damage.

According to Director General PDMA Irfan Ali Kathia, the Ravi at Shahdara is carrying a flood wave of 191,000 cusecs, which is expected to reach nearly 200,000 cusecs. At Jassar, the river is in high flood with 121,000 cusecs, while at Siphon the flow has reached 191,000 cusecs. At Baloki Headworks, the Ravi is also in high flood with 104,000 cusecs.

DG Kathia said PDMA is maintaining constant contact across the province and evacuation from flood-hit areas is being ensured. He stressed that protection of lives and property under CM Maryam Nawaz’s directives remains the top priority.