Chandigarh: Punjab is staring at a worsening flood crisis as the Meteorological Department has sounded a red alert, warning of heavy rainfall over the next several days. From September 2 to 7, districts including Jalandhar, Patiala, Sangrur, Mohali, Chandigarh, Gurdaspur, and Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nagar are expected to experience intense downpours.
Officials have urged residents to exercise extreme caution, particularly near rivers and drains that are already swollen. With Himachal Pradesh forecast to receive very heavy rainfall during the same period, the cascading effect is likely to increase water levels across Punjab.
The humanitarian toll of the disaster is already mounting. The death count from floods and rain-related incidents in the Majha and Doaba regions has climbed to 36. Seven people have lost their lives in Hoshiarpur alone, while others have perished due to roof collapses and drowning in floodwaters.
Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann has expressed grief over the casualties and announced ex gratia compensation of Rs 4 lakh for each bereaved family. He assured that the state government is closely monitoring the situation and relief measures are being intensified in affected areas.
With the weather department predicting no immediate respite, emergency teams remain on high alert, and residents in vulnerable zones have been advised to prepare for further disruptions.
