Chandigarh: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a yellow alert for seven districts in Punjab, warning of continued rainfall and potential weather-related disruptions. Meanwhile, flood conditions remain severe in eight districts, with over 1.24 lakh cusecs of water released downstream from the Harike Headworks, intensifying concerns across low-lying areas.
Districts on Alert as Rain Persists
The districts likely to experience rainfall today include Pathankot, Gurdaspur, Amritsar, Hoshiarpur, Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nagar (Nawanshahr), Rupnagar, and Mohali. While scattered showers were reported on Saturday, meteorologists have maintained a yellow alert, indicating moderate risks that could disrupt normal life, particularly in already flood-affected areas.
Flood Situation Critical in Eight Districts
Floodwaters continue to cause significant distress in parts of Tarn Taran, Fazilka, Amritsar, Kapurthala, Hoshiarpur, and Moga, where waterlogging and swollen rivers have cut off roads, inundated homes, and damaged farmlands.
According to official data, water levels remain high at key dams and headworks:
-
Pong Dam recorded a water level of 1382.75 feet, with an inflow of 38,395 cusecs and a discharge of 74,427 cusecs.
-
Bhakra Dam stood at 1666.96 feet, receiving 54,870 cusecs and discharging 43,342 cusecs.
-
At Harike, the water level was 688 feet. From a total inflow of 1,46,120 cusecs, more than 1.24 lakh cusecs were released downstream, significantly impacting nearby regions.
The water was also diverted into various feeder canals, including 8,037 cusecs into the Ferozepur feeder, 13,795 cusecs to the Rajasthan feeder, and 187 cusecs into the Makhu canal.
Rainfall Lowers Temperatures Slightly
Rainfall data from Saturday revealed modest precipitation across several districts:
-
Ludhiana: 10.4 mm
-
Pathankot: 3.5 mm
-
Hoshiarpur: 1 mm
-
Amritsar: 0.6 mm
-
Rupnagar: 0.5 mm
The rain has led to a minor dip in temperatures, with the state average dropping by 1.6°C, although current readings still hover around seasonal norms.
More Rain Ahead Before Monsoon Weakens
IMD has indicated that the rainfall pattern may persist for the next 72 hours. A yellow alert remains in effect for August 25 (Monday) in Pathankot, Gurdaspur, Hoshiarpur, and Rupnagar. Similar conditions are expected on August 26 (Tuesday). However, the monsoon is forecasted to weaken from August 27 onward.
Relief Measures and Vigilance
Authorities are closely monitoring dam discharges and downstream water levels, particularly around the Sutlej and Beas basins. Local administration teams have been deployed in affected areas for rescue and relief operations. Residents in vulnerable zones have been advised to remain cautious and follow official advisories.
Emergency response teams, including NDRF units, remain on standby as officials assess potential evacuations and continue damage control efforts.
