Flood Alert in Punjab: Over 20 Villages Evacuated as NDRF and Army Remain on Standby

Continuous heavy rainfall in Punjab and neighboring Himachal Pradesh has caused major rivers, including the Raavi, Beas, and Satluj, to swell dangerously, resulting in widespread flooding across several districts. The situation has necessitated mass evacuations, with over 20 villages cleared as authorities intensify rescue efforts.

Districts on High Alert

The worst-affected districts are Fazilka, Gurdaspur, Hoshiarpur, Kapurthala, and parts of Ferozepur, where floodwaters have breached embankments and submerged roads, cutting off access to essential services.
Officials in Fazilka and Gurdaspur have issued urgent flood alerts, advising residents to relocate to safer areas. Relief camps have been set up in multiple locations for displaced families.

Rescue Operations in Full Swing

The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), Border Security Force (BSF), and the Indian Army have been placed on standby for emergency operations.

• In Fazilka, authorities used public address systems to urge women, children, and the elderly to move to five designated relief camps.

• Similar measures are in place in Sultanpur Lodhi (Kapurthala) and Mukerian (Hoshiarpur), where the Beas River has caused severe flooding.

Community kitchens and temporary shelters are being established to provide food and accommodation to evacuees.

Schools Closed, Orange Alert Issued

With several roads submerged, authorities have announced school closures in Fazilka, Jalandhar, Kapurthala, Pathankot, and Gurdaspur.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an Orange Alert, warning of more heavy rainfall in the next 48 hours. Some areas are also under a Red Alert, raising concerns of worsening floods.

Dam Outflows Worsen Situation

The flooding has been aggravated by controlled water releases from Bhakra, Pong, and Ranjit Sagar dams, which are near full capacity due to torrential rain in Himachal Pradesh’s catchment areas.
Experts warn that continued heavy inflows may lead to severe flooding in low-lying areas as dam outflows remain high to prevent overflow damage.

Government Steps Up Relief Measures

Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and senior officials are visiting the affected regions to monitor relief operations. Authorities have urged the public to stay alert, follow official advisories, and cooperate with evacuation efforts as the situation remains critical.