LAHORE: Director General of the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) Punjab, Irfan Ali Kathia, has stressed the urgent need to clear waterways, warning that failure to do so will result in continued flooding and damage.

Speaking to the media in Lahore, he said that Punjab government has directed officials to ensure not only the safety of flood-affected people but also of their livestock. So far, more than 317,000 animals have been shifted to safer locations, with arrangements made for fodder supply.

The DG PDMA confirmed that 20 people have lost their lives in flood-related incidents, with the highest number of deaths reported from Gujranwala. The Punjab government will provide Rs. 1 million in financial assistance to the families of those who lost their lives in the floods.

He said that the rain is still forecast in Faisalabad, Sargodha Division, Rajanpur and Dera Ghazi Khan. Urban flooding is also feared till September 2, the administration is alert and has directed advance measures in the case of urban flooding.

The DG PDM said that the floods have greatly damaged people’s crops, we are heading towards a survey of crop losses in a coordinated manner.

He said has emphasized that climate change is a reality and must be factored into all development projects.

Speaking to the media, he warned that any planning carried out without considering climate change would result in losses. He stressed that waterways must be cleared immediately, otherwise the same destructive flooding will continue.

He pointed out that for the past 40 years, the river had remained dry, leading locals to cultivate crops on its bed. However, the recent floods have damaged crops in the passageways of both Ravi and Sutlej rivers.

Kathia noted that the unusual surge of water in Ravi is a stark reminder of the risks posed by climate change and unchecked cultivation on riverbeds.