Heavy Rains Swell Sutlej, Beas, and Ravi Rivers, Triggering Massive Flooding Across Punjab
Severe Flood Situation in Punjab
Punjab is grappling with its worst floods since 1988, caused by heavy rains in the catchment areas of Himachal Pradesh and Jammu & Kashmir. The swollen Sutlej, Beas, and Ravi rivers, along with seasonal streams, have flooded all 23 districts of the state. So far, the floods have claimed 30 lives and displaced thousands.
Additional heavy rainfall has further aggravated the situation, making rescue and relief efforts challenging.
Worst-Hit Districts
The following districts are severely impacted:
- Gurdaspur
- Pathankot
- Fazilka
- Kapurthala
- Tarn Taran
- Ferozepur
- Hoshiarpur
- Amritsar
Villagers face inundation, loss of property, and disruption of daily life.
Schools and Colleges Closed Until September 7
To ensure the safety of students and staff, the Punjab government has ordered the closure of all educational institutions — government, private, aided, and universities — till September 7.
Government and Political Response
- Punjab Cabinet Ministers and AAP leader Manish Sisodia visited flood-prone villages in Tarn Taran district to assess the situation.
- They inspected embankments and interacted with locals to address immediate challenges.
- Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan is scheduled to visit Amritsar, Gurdaspur, and Kapurthala districts to review crop damage and support affected farmers.
Agricultural Losses
- Crops on approximately 1.48 lakh hectares of land have been destroyed.
- State officials and the Union Minister are coordinating relief and compensation measures.
Relief Efforts Underway
- Army teams are reinforcing embankments, transporting food and fodder, and clearing water channels.
- NGOs and Sikh organizations are distributing essential supplies such as:
- Rice, pulses, wheat flour
- Mustard oil
- Medicines
- Cattle fodder
- Biscuits
Impact on Villagers
- Many villagers prefer to stay in their homes despite flooding.
- In flooded livestock shelters, residents have moved to rooftops or raised platforms.
- Relief camps have been set up, but many remain cautious about leaving their homes.
Compensation and Support
- The Punjab government has started a special ‘girdawari’ (loss assessment) to evaluate damages.
- Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann assured full compensation and appealed for national support, saying,
“Punjab has always stood by the nation during crises. Now Punjab needs the nation’s support.”
Celebrities Show Solidarity
Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan expressed his condolences, stating:
“My heart goes out to those in Punjab impacted by these devastating floods. The spirit of Punjab shall never break.”
Other celebrities lending support include:
- Actor Sonu Sood
- Singer Diljit Dosanjh
- Punjabi actor Gippy Grewal
- Singers Karan Aujla, Ammy Virk, Ranjit Bawa
- Comedian Kapil Sharma
Punjab is enduring a historic flood crisis affecting all 23 districts and causing widespread devastation. Government efforts, military support, and community resilience are critical as relief and rehabilitation continue. The coming days will be crucial for recovery and rebuilding.
