Punjab seeks army’s support for flood damage assessment survey

LAHORE: The Punjab government has requested the deployment of Pakistan Army personnel to assist in a province-wide flood damage assessment survey scheduled to begin on September 24 (today), according to an official correspondence issued by the Board of Revenue and Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA).

The survey, mandated by the government to evaluate losses caused by recent floods, will be conducted through joint teams comprising civil administration, technical experts and Army representatives. Each team will include two Army personnel—one of them armed—to ensure security and smooth execution of the exercise.

In a communication addressed to the Home Department, a copy of which is available with The News, PDMA Director (Operations) conveyed that district administrations had identified the need for around 4,424 Army personnel to cover inundated areas across Punjab. The figure, however, is subject to adjustment based on local requirements and ground conditions.

According to the deployment plan (Annex-A), the largest contingents are sought for Sialkot (440), Narowal (402), and Muzaffargarh (290), reflecting the extent of flood damage in these districts. Other heavily affected areas include Jhang, Hafizabad, Khanewal, Multan, Bahawalpur, and Kasur. Lahore and Faisalabad are slated to receive smaller detachments of 50 and 46 personnel, respectively.

The district deputy commissioners will coordinate with relevant Army formations to arrange the necessary deployment. The survey will be rolled out in phases, beginning on September 24 in central Punjab districts such as Sialkot, Jhang, Sheikhupura, and Bahawalnagar, and later moving southward to Multan, Khanewal, Bahawalpur, Muzaffargarh, Rajanpur, and Rahim Yar Khan between September 26 and 27. The final phase, covering Kasur, is scheduled for September 29.

The PDMA has clarified that the mobilization charges for Army representatives will be borne by the Authority. Officials emphasized that the comprehensive survey will help establish accurate estimates of losses to infrastructure, agriculture, and private property, enabling the government to design relief, compensation, and rehabilitation packages.