Power supply restoration gains pace in flood-hit areas

September 03, 2025 (MLN): The Power Division has achieved substantial progress in restoring electricity supply across flood-affected regions of the country.

According to an official report, a total of 49 grid stations and 487 feeders were impacted by the floods across different power distribution companies.

The Division confirmed that restoration work is underway at a fast pace. So far, 222 feeders have been fully restored, while an additional 127 feeders have been temporarily re-energized to ensure power supply to affected communities.

The federal government has also directed urgent restoration of communication and power transmission systems in flood-affected regions, while emphasizing immediate relief and rehabilitation measures.

Chairing a meeting remotely from China, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif stressed coordinated efforts by federal and provincial governments to assist displaced families, relocate them to safer areas and restore damaged infrastructure.

He instructed authorities to focus relief operations in Punjab and Sindh and expedite searches for missing persons.

The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) reported rising flood levels in the Ravi, Chenab and Sutlej rivers, warning of severe flooding at Panjnad, with waters expected to reach Guddu Barrage by Saturday.

NDMA is working with provincial administrations at key sites including Trimmu, Balloki, Sadhnai, Ganda Singh Wala and Sulemanki to mitigate threats.

Relief efforts are being carried out jointly by Rescue 1122, the Pakistan Army, Rangers, NGOs and disaster management authorities, with regular dispatch of supplies and restoration of electricity and infrastructure underway.

Recent flash floods in Punjab have devastated crops, with preliminary assessments showing 60% of rice, 30% of sugarcane and 35% of cotton production lost.

According to Climate Change Minister Musadik Malik, the floods have displaced two million people and claimed over 850 lives nationwide.

Additionally, the European Union (EU) has informed Rs350 million in emergency assistance to Pakistan to help cope with the destruction caused by ongoing floods, which have claimed hundreds of lives and displaced thousands.

In a statement on X, the EU said the funds will be channeled through trusted humanitarian partners to provide life-saving health services, water, sanitation and hygiene support, as well as cash assistance for vulnerable families.

It reaffirmed solidarity with the people of Pakistan during this critical time.

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar also held a phone call with EU High Representative and Vice President Kaja Kallas, who expressed condolences over the loss of life and assured continued EU support for relief and recovery.

Dar thanked the EU for its assistance, highlighting Pakistan’s acute vulnerability to climate-related disasters and underscoring the need for resilience-building and sustainable recovery.

Heavy monsoon rains, coupled with water releases from India, have intensified flooding across Punjab, Sindh and other provinces, submerging farmland, destroying homes, and cutting off thousands of people.

Authorities warned that three major rivers the Ravi, Chenab, and Sutlej are flowing at exceptionally high levels, inundating more than 2,300 villages and causing extensive damage to crops and infrastructure.

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