Chandigarh: Several parts of Punjab are grappling with a flood-like situation after heavy rainfall in Himachal Pradesh forced the release of excess water from dams. As a result, seven districts of Punjab have been affected, though officials have clarified that there is no heavy rainfall alert for the next three days.
The Meteorological Department has predicted light to moderate showers at scattered locations in Pathankot, Hoshiarpur, Rupnagar, Gurdaspur, Amritsar, Kapurthala, Jalandhar, Nawanshahr, Fatehgarh Sahib, and Patiala. A yellow alert has been issued for August 23, when widespread rainfall is expected across the state, potentially followed by heavier downpours until August 25.
Meanwhile, the state has also witnessed a rise in temperatures, with an average increase of 2.4°C in the past 24 hours. Faridkot recorded the highest temperature at 39.8°C, returning close to seasonal norms.
Bhakra and Pong Dams Discharge Water
On Tuesday, the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) opened four floodgates at the Bhakra Dam, releasing nearly 45,000 cusecs of water, divided between the Sutlej River and adjoining canals. Officials reassured residents that the dam remains well below the danger level.
Separately, the Pong Dam is expected to release 75,000 cusecs of water today after water levels reached 1383.03 feet, which is still seven feet under the critical mark.
Ground Situation in Districts
Water levels have started to recede in the Ravi and Ujj rivers, easing conditions in parts of Pathankot and Gurdaspur, while the Beas River in Kapurthala is also showing signs of decline. However, low-lying areas continue to struggle, especially in over 25 villages of Mand region, where floodwaters remain stagnant.
As per official estimates, waterlogging has impacted hundreds of villages across six districts, damaging nearly 14,200 acres of farmland. Ferozepur, Fazilka, and Kapurthala have borne the brunt, with several villages losing connectivity.
The Punjab government has issued high alerts in multiple districts, including Fazilka, Ferozepur, Tarn Taran, Gurdaspur, Hoshiarpur, and Kapurthala. To manage the crisis, 172 ambulances and 438 NDRF teams have been deployed for relief and emergency operations.
