Lahore [Pakistan], September 17 (ANI): Devastating floods in Pakistan have destroyed more than 2.2 million acres of farmland in Punjab, with rice crops suffering the heaviest losses, Samaa News reported on Wednesday.
The floods have dealt a severe blow to Pakistan’s agricultural economy, submerging vast stretches of farmland in Punjab. Rice losses alone are estimated at over 1 million acres of standing crops. Citing provincial authorities, Samaa reported that the floods have also caused extensive damage to sugarcane, corn, and cotton. Sugarcane planted across 2.5 million acres has been badly hit, while corn and cotton fields have also been destroyed.
In Sindh, while the damage has been limited, up to three percent of the onion crop has been lost, particularly in low-lying Kachha areas. To assess the scale of destruction and identify recovery needs, the federal government has decided to involve international organizations, including UN agencies.
Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal chaired a high-level meeting with the finance minister and National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) officials, announcing that an initial assessment of losses will be completed within ten days. He emphasized that final figures will only be available once the floodwaters fully recede.
According to The Express Tribune, the floods, which have continued since late August, have displaced over two million people in Punjab, submerged 2,000 villages, and devastated large tracts of farmland. Thousands of acres of crops, including rice, cotton, and sugarcane, have been destroyed, deepening food insecurity in the region.
The provincial government said it has rescued nearly 1.9 million people, set up more than 1,000 relief camps, and deployed mobile health units. However, reports from the ground indicate that many villages remain cut off, with relief measures reaching them only sporadically.
Health officials reported more than 15,400 cases of dengue, diarrhea, malaria, and skin diseases across Punjab over the past month. (ANI)
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