Heavy monsoon rains in higher areas and sudden water release from Bhakra, Pong, and Ranjit Sagar dams have caused rivers Sutlej, Beas, and Ravi to overflow in Punjab. Numerous villages in districts such as Gurdaspur, Pathankot, Hoshiarpur, Kapurthala, Amritsar, Tarn Taran, Fazilka, Ferozepur, and Ludhiana are inundated with water. Schools are closed and roads are swept away. Train journeys are also disrupted
Despite rain letting up for a couple of days, water levels are still perilously high. Bhakra Dam is close to full, and water is still being discharged, sparking fear of further flooding
The New Indian Express
Rescue and Relief Measures Underway
The NDRF and army teams are on the ground in large numbers. In Gurdaspur, about 400 students were evacuated to safety. One of the rescues used an amphibious vehicle, ATOR N1200, to access marooned villagers. Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann flew by helicopter to affected areas and directed land survey (girdawari) to account for damage. He assured complete assistance and compensation for families that lost crops, homes, or livestock.
Local politicians of various parties accuse the government of failing to make river embankments secure ahead of the rains, and seek compensation for farmers at the earliest
Situation Still Danger-prone, More Rain In Store
Met department and flood officials caution that the rivers may swell again in the next few days. Some regions received fresh rain, and there is the possibility of more until early September
The News International. Residents near riverbanks are instructed to prepare and shift if water enters villages once again.
FAQs
1. Why is Punjab flooding now?
Heavy rain upstream, along with the discharge of water from major dams, led to rivers overflowing.
2. Which regions are most affected?
Gurdaspur, Pathankot, Hoshiarpur, Kapurthala, Amritsar, Tarn Taran, Fazilka, Ferozepur, and Ludhiana districts.
3. Who is assisting villagers stranded in floods?
People rescued by the army, NDRF, and state units. Schools closed, food and shelter provided.
4. Will the flooding increase?
Yes. Rain could keep falling, and rivers remain high. Release from the dam could pour more water.
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