Punjab Declared Disaster Zone as Worst Floods in Decades Ravage 23 Districts; Over 30 Dead, Schools Shut Till Sept 7

Amritsar: Punjab is grappling with its deadliest flood crisis in nearly four decades, forcing the state government on Wednesday to officially declare the entire region as disaster-affected. At least 30 people have lost their lives in rain and flood-related incidents, while lakhs of residents remain displaced and farmland lies devastated.

Chief Secretary K.A.P. Sinha, acting as Chairman of the State Executive Committee under the Disaster Management Act, 2025, has empowered all district magistrates to invoke Section 34 of the Act in emergency situations. This move gives district authorities sweeping powers to impose necessary restrictions and take rapid decisions to safeguard lives and property.

“Punjab is facing an unprecedented natural calamity. All departments and district authorities must respond with urgency and ensure relief reaches every affected citizen,” Sinha said while issuing directives.

Relief and Rescue on War Footing

According to official figures, floodwaters have engulfed nearly 1,400 villages across all 23 districts, destroying homes, submerging crops, and killing livestock. Departments such as Public Works (PWD), Water Resources, and Punjab State Power Corporation Limited (PSPCL) have been pressed into service to restore roads, bridges, power, and water supply on a priority basis. Telecom operators have also been instructed to ensure uninterrupted connectivity.

Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains announced that all schools, colleges, and universities will remain closed until September 7, extending the earlier closure. He urged families to cooperate with local administrations and avoid venturing into flood-hit zones.

Rain and Dam Warnings

Heavy rainfall has worsened the crisis. Between Tuesday and Wednesday morning, several districts recorded sharp showers: Gurdaspur (94.7 mm), Mohali (55.5 mm), Pathankot (41.2 mm), Ludhiana (29.8 mm), Amritsar (27.6 mm), and Patiala (9.2 mm).

Authorities in Ropar district have issued red alerts for villages along the Sutlej River after Himachal Pradesh released massive volumes of water from Bhakra Dam, which is now at 1,677.84 feet, just inches below its maximum level of 1,680 feet. Water levels at Pong Dam have already crossed 1,393 feet, breaching the danger mark of 1,390 feet. Flood alerts have been sounded for several villages, including Harsa Bela, Bela Ramgarh, Bela Dhiani, Singhpura, and Taraf Majara.

Agricultural and Economic Losses

The floods have caused catastrophic damage to nearly 3.75 lakh acres of farmland, mainly paddy fields that were weeks away from harvest. Farmers are staring at massive losses, not just of crops but also of cattle and livestock, which form the backbone of rural Punjab’s economy.