Chandigarh: The flood situation in Punjab continues to remain tense despite no fresh rain alerts for the next five days. While rescue operations are ongoing, authorities are facing new challenges with weakened embankments and rising water levels in major rivers and reservoirs.
In Ludhiana district, the Sasrali embankment on the Sutlej river has developed severe weaknesses due to heavy water pressure, placing 14 nearby villages at risk of inundation. Officials have urged residents to shift to safer areas as a precautionary measure. Similar concerns have been raised in Machhiwara, where the Sutlej has touched the dam level.
Meanwhile, water levels at Bhakra Dam are only a foot below the danger threshold. With high inflows continuing, four spillway gates have been opened up to 10 feet each, impacting flow conditions downstream in Rupnagar, Ludhiana, and up to Harike Headworks.
Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has convened a special cabinet meeting today at his official residence to review the situation and take urgent decisions regarding aid and rehabilitation for flood-hit families.
Current Situation in Punjab
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23 districts affected: Including Amritsar, Gurdaspur, Ludhiana, Patiala, Ferozepur, Fazilka, Mohali, Sangrur, Mansa, and others.
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1,902 villages submerged: Over 3.84 lakh people impacted, with the worst-hit areas being Amritsar (1.35 lakh affected) and Gurdaspur (1.45 lakh affected).
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43 confirmed deaths: Reported across 12 districts, with three people still missing in Pathankot.
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20,972 residents relocated: Evacuation efforts have shifted thousands to safer locations, with nearly 6,755 people currently staying in 196 active relief camps.
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Crops destroyed: More than 1.71 lakh hectares of farmland has been damaged, particularly in Gurdaspur district.
The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) has deployed teams in vulnerable areas, including Patiala, to monitor the rising Ghaggar river. Local authorities have advised citizens to rely only on verified government information and avoid panic caused by rumors.
Despite partial receding of water levels in parts of Amritsar, Pathankot, and Tarn Taran, experts warn that the situation remains volatile until embankments are fully secured and dam levels stabilize.
