Viral Video: Rescue 1122 saves stranded puppies in Ravi River amid floods

LAHORE: Rescue 1122 personnel on Thursday saved three puppies stranded on a small islet in the Ravi River amid the ongoing floods, drawing wide praise after a video of the operation went viral on social media.

According to officials, the rescue operation was launched after citizens at the Saggian Ravi Bridge flood relief camp informed staff about unusual movement on an islet in the middle of the river. Rescue teams were immediately dispatched by boat to investigate.

“As seen in the video, the mound was barely above water,” said Punjab Rescue 1122 spokesperson Farooq Ahmed. “When our teams reached the spot, they found three puppies waiting to be rescued. The rescuers carefully lifted them onto the boat and brought them to safety before handing them over to nearby residents.”

He explained that this stretch of the Ravi River usually remains dry, which allows stray animals to inhabit the riverbed. “Only during heavy rains or when water is released from across the border this area gets flooded, trapping these animals,” he added.

The spokesperson said Rescue 1122 has deployed 650 boats across Punjab, rescuing more than 30,000 people on Thursday from flood-hit areas. He stressed that rescue and relief operations are continuing round the clock.

Social media users widely praised the effort, commending the dedication and compassion of the rescuers for saving the lives of the helpless animals.

Riverine flooding in Punjab has claimed at least 25 lives, as devastating floods caused by unusually heavy monsoon rains and upstream discharge of water by India in Chenab, Ravi and Sutlej rivers.