Punjab Wildlife rescues seven deer from devastating floods as rivers swell across province

Punjab Wildlife officials have rescued seven deer swept away by massive floods across several districts, as emergency operations continue to save both human and animal lives.

The rescue drive was launched on the orders of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz after flash floods inundated vast areas. Special ambulances, veterinary doctors, and temporary medical camps have been set up to provide urgent care to injured wildlife.

Punjab Additional Director General Wildlife Rangers, Syed Kamran Bukhari, said a pair of deer was rescued in Sialkot on August 26. In Narowal, an injured and pregnant female deer was given treatment, while a young male was shifted to safety in Shakargarh. Additional operations in Muridke, Wazirabad, and Mandi Bahauddin brought the total to seven.

Senior Provincial Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb stressed that the government values animal lives “just as precious as human lives,” noting that floods often destroy natural habitats, leaving wildlife without shelter or food. Experts warn that without timely intervention, rare species such as deer may face serious threats.

Rising flood crisis in Punjab

The Punjab floods have already claimed at least 28 lives, as heavy rains combined with excessive water discharges from India caused dangerous surges in the Ravi, Chenab, and Sutlej rivers.

At Ganda Singh Wala, the Sutlej River crossed 350,000 cusecs — its heaviest flow since 1955 — forcing large-scale evacuations in Kasur and adjoining areas. Authorities fear further discharges could worsen the crisis.

The Chenab River also continues to swell, with 855,000 cusecs recorded at Chiniot Bridge, threatening dozens of downstream villages. In Multan, floods have submerged farmland in Shujaabad, where controlled breaches are being prepared to protect the city.

Meanwhile, the Ravi at Lahore’s Shahdara point reached 220,000 cusecs — the highest level since 1988 — submerging housing societies and prompting mass evacuations. Relief camps have been set up for displaced families.

Earlier this week, officials evacuated more than 148,000 livestock to higher ground, while 234 treatment camps were established to provide medical aid. Punjab Relief Commissioner Nabeel Javed confirmed deliberate breaches at RRA-1 near Kasur and on sections of the Jhang–Shorkot road to divert floodwaters away from urban populations.

The Pakistan Meteorological Department has warned of “exceptionally high flood levels” in the Sutlej and Chenab between August 30 and September 2. It also expects the Indus at Guddu and Sukkur to rise to very high flood levels in the coming days.