Narowal – Families displaced by devastating floods in Narowal say they are struggling to survive as official relief camps fail to provide even basic necessities, forcing many to sleep in the open alongside their livestock.
The district, battered by heavy rains and breaches in drainage systems, is now facing an escalating humanitarian crisis. Despite government claims of setting up dozens of relief centers, victims on the ground report that food, drinking water, and proper shelter remain out of reach.
A Tragic Attempt to Flee
In one of the most heartbreaking incidents, Muhammad Ramzan, a resident of Hajiwala, drowned while trying to evacuate his family from rapidly rising waters. Locals recovered his body, and Rescue 1122 later confirmed his death.
Meanwhile, the overflowing Dek drain has inundated entire neighborhoods, with water levels reaching up to three feet in parts of Narowal city. Among the worst-hit areas are Abbas Nagar, Railway Colony, Siddiqui Colony, and Girls College Road. Floodwaters have also submerged railway tracks, disrupting connectivity between Narowal and Sialkot.
Floodwaters Shift Despite Falling River Levels
While the Ravi River’s water level has dropped significantly—from 250,000 to 113,200 cusecs—the situation remains dire as overflow from the Dek continues to push into Narowal and nearby villages. Two days ago, breaches near Lahri and Skroor in Zafarwal tehsil worsened the crisis, sending a fresh surge of water into residential areas.
Officials confirm that around 50–75% of Narowal district has been affected, with floodwaters advancing toward Baddomalhi.
Families Take Shelter on Highways
With homes submerged, dozens of families have set up makeshift roadside shelters. Shakargarh Road, elevated 12 feet above ground, has become a refuge for displaced people and their livestock.
Muhammad Amin, one of the many camping by the roadside, said he has been sleeping in the open for three nights with no help from local authorities. “Officials drive past us every day in their big vehicles,” he said. “Nobody stops, nobody tells us where to go.”
Another victim, Abdul Razaq, said their animals have been without fodder for days. “Our cows and goats are starving, just like us,” he added.
Relief Camps Under Fire
Some who managed to reach official relief camps reported that while there is medicine available, food and clean drinking water are scarce. “There’s no real shelter. We’re still left to fend for ourselves,” said Kashif Mahmood Siddiqui, a local resident.
Deputy Commissioner Syed Hassan Raza insists that 38 relief camps have been established and that food packages from the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) are being distributed. He said 35 boats and 16 rescue teams are working “round the clock,” claiming over 2,300 people have been evacuated so far.
But those stranded on roadsides say these claims don’t match the grim reality. Many are now urging Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz to intervene directly.
A Crisis That’s Far From Over
With more rain forecast and floodwaters showing little sign of receding in Narowal city, locals fear conditions will worsen before help arrives. The contrast between official statements and on-the-ground accounts paints a troubling picture of disaster response, leaving thousands of displaced families clinging to hope—and each other—for survival.
