Punjab Faces Severe Flood Situation, Urges Public to Avoid Spreading Social Media Rumors: Uzma Bukhari

Lahore: Punjab Information and Culture Minister Uzma Bukhari has urged citizens not to rely on unverified social media posts regarding the ongoing floods, stressing that only official updates should be trusted. Addressing a press conference at DGPR Lahore, she said the flood situation is extremely serious and propaganda on social media is creating unnecessary panic.

Bukhari criticized political opponents for exploiting the crisis, saying, *“Some people are busy with propaganda instead of providing relief. The public can clearly see who stands with them and who is spreading chaos.”* She added that even food distribution to flood-hit people has been politicized, recalling incidents of contaminated food in the past, and warned that this is not the time for cheap politics.

Highlighting the scale of devastation, Bukhari said over **3,243 villages have been affected, displacing more than 2.45 million people**, while nearly **one million individuals and over 708,000 livestock have been relocated to safer areas**. She confirmed that **395 relief camps, 392 medical camps, and 336 veterinary camps** have been established. So far, **41 deaths and 8 injuries** have been reported, including fatalities caused by lightning strikes.

She noted that flood pressure remains high at **Trimmu Headworks**, while water levels in the Ravi River are receding. Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has personally visited Jhang and reviewed relief operations, including health facilities for flood victims.

Bukhari further said preparations are underway to protect Multan as floodwaters approach Head Muhammad Wala, where water levels have already reached **407 feet out of a 417-foot capacity**. Rescue 1122 teams have been working tirelessly, including the recent evacuation of 30 stranded people in Toba Tek Singh.

The minister emphasized that Punjab is also prepared for potential inflows of water from India, adding that the Bhakra Dam on the Sutlej River has reached full capacity. *“Maryam Nawaz has assured the people of Punjab that no one will be left alone in this crisis. Every affected household will be rehabilitated,”* Bukhari said.