Severe floods in northern India’s Punjab have led to 29 fatalities, primarily in Pathankot district, affecting over 2.56 lakh people, according to an official report.
ANI stated that 12 out of 23 districts in Punjab have been impacted since August 1, marking one of the region’s worst flood calamities in decades as per the state government.
These floods have disrupted the lives of more than 2.56 lakh individuals across the 12 districts, causing widespread displacement and significant damage to life, property, agriculture, and livestock, detailed Punjab Revenue, Rehabilitation, and Disaster Management Minister S Hardeep Singh Mundian.
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Gurdaspur is the most severely impacted district, with around 1.45 lakh people affected. Other hard-hit areas include Amritsar (35,000), Ferozepur (24,015), and Fazilka (21,562).
The extensive flooding is attributed to the overflowing Sutlej, Beas, and Ravi rivers, and seasonal rivulets following heavy rainfall in catchment areas in Himachal Pradesh and Jammu and Kashmir. The situation is exacerbated by continuous heavy rains across many state regions.
The state has mobilized various agencies for relief and rescue missions. The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) has deployed 20 teams, while the Army, Navy, and Air Force have sent 10 columns, keeping eight on standby, along with engineer units. Over 35 helicopters are involved in rescue operations, supported by 114 boats and one state helicopter. The Border Security Force (BSF) has also been deployed in affected border areas, reported ANI.
Of the 29 deaths, six were in Pathankot district. Amritsar, Barnala, Hoshiarpur, Ludhiana, Mansa, and Rupnagar districts each reported three deaths, while Bathinda, Gurdaspur, Patiala, Mohali, and Sangrur each had one fatality, according to the official report.
[With ANI contributions]
