Punjab Battles Rising Waters: Floods Trigger High Alert Across the State

Rivers Overflow as Heavy Rains Hit Punjab

Punjab Battles Rising Waters – Punjab is facing a serious flood crisis after days of heavy rainfall caused rivers to overflow and dams to exceed their limits. The Sutlej, Ravi, and Beas rivers have flooded nearby villages and farmlands, leaving thousands of people stranded and homes submerged. The situation worsened when water was released from major dams like Bhakra, Pong, and Ranjit Sagar, pushing water levels even higher.

Districts such as Pathankot, Gurdaspur, Hoshiarpur, Fazilka, and Ferozepur have been hit the hardest. In many areas, water has entered homes, damaged crops, and made roads impassable. Villagers are being urged to move to safer places, and announcements are being made through mosques and loudspeakers to warn people of the danger.

The Punjab government has declared a high alert, and emergency teams are working around the clock to manage the crisis. Relief camps have been set up, and food, water, and medical help are being provided to those affected.

Rescue Operations in Full Swing

Rescue efforts are being led by the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), Punjab Police, Indian Army, and Border Security Force (BSF). Helicopters are being used to airlift stranded families from flooded villages, especially in Pathankot and Fazilka, where water levels have reached dangerous heights.

More than 150,000 people have been evacuated from vulnerable areas, including Bahawalnagar, Kasur, Okara, and Pakpattan. Relief teams are working in shifts to ensure that people are moved to safety and given proper shelter. Special arrangements have also been made for livestock, with fodder and veterinary care provided at relief centers.

The Punjab Police have been placed on full alert, with officers monitoring flood-hit zones and coordinating rescue missions. In one heroic effort, a family trapped near Shahpurkandi was rescued by an NDRF team and given immediate medical care.

Schools Shut, Travel Disrupted

To protect students and staff, the Punjab government has ordered all schools to remain closed from August 27 to 30. This includes government and private institutions across flood-prone districts like Pathankot, Gurdaspur, Sangrur, and Barnala. The decision was made after red alerts were issued by the Meteorological Department, warning of more heavy rain in the coming days.

Train services have also been affected. Several routes, including the New Delhi–Bande Bharat Express, have been cancelled due to waterlogged tracks and safety concerns. Road travel is risky, with many highways blocked by landslides or submerged under water.

People are being advised to avoid unnecessary travel, stay away from riverbanks, and follow safety instructions shared through mobile alerts, radio, and television.

Community Support and Government Action

Despite the devastation, the spirit of Punjab remains strong. Local volunteers, gurdwaras, and community groups are helping with food distribution, shelter, and emotional support. In Fazilka, religious leaders ensured the safe evacuation of Guru Granth Sahib from flooded villages, showing deep respect and care during the crisis.

Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and other state leaders have visited affected areas to assess the damage and promise compensation for losses. A central flood control centre has been set up in Jalandhar to monitor the situation and coordinate relief efforts.

The government is also working on long-term solutions, including better flood warning systems, stronger embankments, and improved dam management. For now, the focus remains on saving lives and helping people recover from this disaster.

Final Thoughts

The floods in Punjab have brought pain and disruption, but also courage and unity. As rescue teams continue their work and communities come together, there is hope that the state will recover and rebuild stronger than before. For now, safety is the top priority and every effort is being made to protect lives and restore normalcy.

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