At least 22 people lost their lives in separate boat accidents triggered by raging floodwaters in Bahawalnagar, Jalalpur Pirwala, and Liaquatpur, while 23 others were rescued alive, officials and rescue workers confirmed on Thursday.

In Liaquatpur’s Noorwala area, a rescue boat carrying 28 people capsized amid powerful currents.

Rescuers managed to save 13 people immediately, but eight drowned, including five members of the same family. Search efforts are ongoing for those still missing.

In Jalalpur Pirwala’s Mohana Sandila area, a boat overturning claimed 14 lives, raising the death toll to nine confirmed after all bodies were recovered.

Among the victims were five children, one woman, and three men, identified as Irfan, Asma, Iram, Faizan, Zahid, Salman, Shagufta Bibi, Javed, and Abid.

Tragedy deepened as four siblings were among the deceased. The incident had left 28 people stranded in floodwaters a day earlier, with 19 rescued.

In Bahawalnagar, a boat carrying relief supplies capsized with 20 people on board. Thanks to life jackets, all passengers survived, though locals claim two additional people may still be missing, and the search continues.

Earlier in the same district, another boat tragedy in Wahi Sandila claimed five more lives, underscoring the dangerous conditions faced by residents and rescuers alike.Authorities say rescue operations are being hampered by strong currents and rising water levels, while families continue to search for their missing loved ones.