Punjab has been declared a disaster-affected state as floods hit 23 districts and over 1,400 villages, submerging about 3.75 lakh acres of farmland and inflicting heavy crop and livestock losses. 30 folks have been killed in numerous incidents within the state thus far.
Punjab is reeling below one of many worst floods in a long time, prompting the state authorities to declare it a disaster-affected area on Wednesday. Chief Secretary Ok A P Sinha, as Chairman of the State Government Committee (SEC) below the Catastrophe Administration Act, 2025, has authorised district magistrates to problem needed orders below Part 34 of the Act in case of threatening catastrophe conditions. At the least 30 folks have been killed in numerous rain and flood-related incidents within the state thus far.
All District Catastrophe Administration Authorities (DDMAs) have been instructed to take swift motion to supply aid to the affected inhabitants. State departments have been directed to strictly comply with their designated emergency help features and guarantee enough personnel stay on obligation always.
Key departments, together with the Public Works Division (PWD), Water Sources Division, and Punjab State Energy Company Restricted (PSPCL), have been tasked with restoring important companies on a battle footing. Telecom service suppliers have additionally been ordered to make sure uninterrupted cell and landline connectivity throughout the state.
Over 1,400 villages hit by floods
In keeping with official information, floods have ravaged 1,400 villages throughout 23 districts of Punjab. Chief Secretary Sinha has authorised district commissioners to take unbiased choices below Part 34 of the Act to deal with the evolving disaster.
Faculties, faculties, and universities shut
Contemplating the worsening flood state of affairs, Punjab Training Minister Harjot Singh Bains introduced that every one colleges, faculties, and universities within the state will stay closed till September 7. Earlier, the federal government had declared holidays solely till September 3. Bains additionally appealed to residents to strictly comply with native administration pointers.
Heavy rainfall worsens state of affairs
Steady heavy rainfall has added to Punjab’s woes. Between Tuesday and Wednesday morning, a number of components of the state recorded important downpours: Amritsar obtained 27.6 mm, Ludhiana 29.8 mm, Patiala 9.2 mm, Pathankot 41.2 mm, Gurdaspur 94.7 mm, and Mohali 55.5 mm.
In Ropar district, authorities have warned residents of villages positioned alongside the Sutlej River to stay alert. Heavy rainfall in Himachal Pradesh has led to the discharge of a large quantity of water from the Bhakra Dam. At 6 am on Wednesday, the water stage within the dam reached 1,677.84 toes, slightly below its most capability of 1,680 toes.
Flood warnings have been issued in villages together with Harsa Bela, Bela Ramgarh, Bela Dhiani Higher, Bela Dhiani Decrease, Sensowal, Elgra, Bela Shiv Singh, Bhalan, Bhanam, Singhpura, Palasi, Taraf Majara, and Majari.
Crops and livestock undergo heavy losses
The floods have devastated almost 3.75 lakh acres of farmland, primarily paddy fields, simply weeks earlier than harvesting season. This has triggered extreme crop losses and widespread harm to rural livelihoods. Moreover, there was important lack of livestock, dealing a heavy blow to households depending on dairy and animal husbandry.
Water ranges in dams at hazard mark
The water stage at Bhakra Dam has touched 1,677.84 toes towards the hazard mark of 1,680 toes. At Pong Dam, ranges have already crossed 1,393 toes, above the hazard mark of 1,390 toes. In the meantime, water discharge within the Sutlej River at Harike and Hussainiwala has been categorised as excessive flood stage, additional escalating considerations of worsening floods within the coming days.