Several deer swept away from flooding water across districts in Punjab were rescued by Punjab Wildlife Rangers, officials said on Saturday.
Punjab Wildlife Department launched an emergency on the directives of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz to save animals in flood districts. Specialized ambulances, veterinary doctors and temporary camps have been deployed to treat injured wildlife.
According to Punjab, additional Director -General Wildlife Rangers Syed Kamran Bukhari, a few deer was saved in Sialkot on August 26. In Narowal, a wounded and pregnant female deer received medical treatment while a young man was moved to security in Shakargarh. Additional rescues in Murideke, Wazirabad and Mandi Bahauddin brought the total number to seven.
Read: No Pusterum in Punjab as flash floods claim at least 28 lives
Senior Provincial Minister Maryam Aurangzeb said the government considers wildlife “as precious as human life”, adding that floods often leave wildlife among the most severely affected.
Experts warn that the recent floods have not only destroyed homes and crops, but also wildlife habitats, leaving animals without shelter or food. They warn that species such as deer and other rare wildlife without timely intervention are facing increased risk.
Punjab floods
High flood in Punjab’s three major rivers – Ravi, Chenab and Sutlej – has demanded at least 28 lives and flooded large stretches of agricultural land after heavy rain and excessive water releases from India.
The Sutlej River at Ganda Singh Wala has risen over 350,000 CUSERCS – the heaviest stream since 1955 – contributing to evacuations in Kasur and adjacent districts. Authorities warn that the situation can be aggravated with additional rain and possible upstream emissions.
The Chenab River also raises dangerously, with 855,000 CUSSCS recorded at the Chiniot Bridge and threatens dozens of downstream villages. In Multan, the river has immersed agricultural land in Shujaabad, where authorities are preparing controlled violations to protect urban areas.
Meanwhile, Ravi at Laorne’s Shahdara Point 220,000 CuseCs – its highest level since 1988 – reached several housing communities and forced mass evacuations. Help camps have been created for shelter displaced families.
Earlier this week, along with human evacuations, more than 148,000 livestock was moved to safer areas with 234 animal treatment camps set up to provide medical support.
Punjab-Nutheld Commissioner Nabeel Javed said a violation was made at the RRA-1 dam to divert water and protect Kasur City. The water level rises at Sulemanki and Balloki main works, while the floats towards Shahdara have begun to retreat. In Jhang, sections of Jhang – Shorkot Road and Riwaz Bridge were deliberately broken to reduce the pressure and divert flooding water away from populated areas.
Pakistan Meteorological Department has warned of “unusually high flood levels” in Sutlej and Chenab between August 30 and September 2, with Indus in Guddu and Sukkur expected to reach very high flood levels in the coming days.
