Ludhiana: Floods continue to devastate Punjab as the state grapples with rising water levels and damaged infrastructure. A significant crisis unfolded in Ludhiana when the Sutlej river breached the Dhussi dam in Sasrali village, causing floodwaters to inundate nearby fields. In response, the Indian Army has been called in to assist with reinforcing the dam and preventing further damage.
The breach occurred due to severe soil erosion, which compromised the structural integrity of the Dhussi dam. In coordination with local authorities, the army has launched efforts to stabilize the dam and prevent additional flooding, which threatens nearby agricultural land. The situation remains critical, and authorities are working around the clock to mitigate the damage.
Meanwhile, heavy rainfall has persisted across Ludhiana since the morning, further exacerbating the flood situation. The Chandigarh Meteorological Center issued a flash alert warning for continuous rain across the state, signaling the potential for more challenges in the coming hours.
In addition to the breach at Sasrali village, efforts are underway to address issues at the eight Dhussi dams that were damaged by rising waters from the Ravi river in Ramdas, Amritsar. Teams are working to plug these dams while also focusing on five other dams that are at risk. Despite these efforts, the water level of the Ravi river, from Pathankot to Tarn Taran, has reportedly decreased, providing some relief to affected areas.
As the water levels of several rivers continue to fluctuate, the situation at the Bhakra Dam has also been a cause for concern. As of 9 p.m. Friday, the water level at Bhakra was recorded at 1678.40 feet, which is approximately 1.5 feet below the danger level. This slight decrease in water levels is due to a reduced inflow of water into the dam. To manage the rising water levels, approximately 70,000 cusecs of water are being released from Bhakra, with about 50,000 cusecs flowing into the Sutlej river.
The release of water from the Bhakra Dam is having a significant impact downstream. The increased flow has been observed from Rupnagar to Ludhiana and further to Harike Headworks, raising concerns about possible flooding in these areas.
With more heavy rainfall expected and the water release from Bhakra continuing, authorities are on high alert. The combined efforts of the army, local administration, and emergency services are critical in managing the situation and preventing further loss and destruction. The state government has urged residents in flood-prone areas to stay vigilant and follow evacuation protocols as needed.
The ongoing floods in Punjab have already caused widespread damage, and with the situation still evolving, the full scale of the disaster is yet to be fully assessed. The focus now remains on containing the damage, providing relief to affected families, and preventing further breaches or flooding in the coming days.
