LAHORE:
In a groundbreaking move, Punjab’s rescue teams have saved more than 490 flood victims by deploying advanced thermal technology used for the first time in the province’s history.
According to officials, this cutting-edge technology enabled rescuers to carry out operations in complete darkness, particularly in Okara, Jhang, Atharah Hazari, Shorkot, and Ahmadpur Sial. Among those rescued were 21 residents from Jhang City Band, 63 from Daduanran, 70 from Alipur, 85 from Thatta Jabanran, and dozens more from surrounding areas including Vijhlanran, Chak Noon, Jogira Bocheran, Kharoda Bakar, Dab Kalan, and Wali Muhammad Jhandeer.
The system works by detecting human presence in areas invisible to the naked eye, making it possible to locate people stranded in floodwaters at night. Rescue teams described the technology as a “lifesaving game-changer,” allowing them to identify and evacuate families who otherwise might not have been found in time.
Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif lauded the successful operation, noting that Punjab is the first province in Pakistan to introduce such advanced tools for disaster response. She praised the rescue teams for their dedication and highlighted that this achievement sets a new standard for emergency management in the country.
Officials believe that the integration of thermal technology has opened a new chapter in flood response efforts. “This is not just about technology it’s about saving lives when every second counts,” one rescue worker said.
With climate-driven disasters becoming more frequent, experts say Punjab’s adoption of thermal imaging could serve as a model for the rest of Pakistan, revolutionizing the way emergency operations are carried out.
