Punjab is currently reeling under its most devastating floods since 1988, with 37 people reported dead and more than 3.5 lakh individuals directly impacted across all 23 districts of the state. The disaster has been triggered by relentless heavy rainfall combined with the swelling of major rivers such as the Sutlej, Beas, and Ravi, along with seasonal rivulets fed by downpours in Himachal Pradesh and Jammu & Kashmir. Official reports confirm that nearly 1,655 villages are inundated, leaving communities stranded and struggling for survival as floodwaters engulf homes, farmlands, and public infrastructure.
The damage to agriculture has been particularly severe, with over 1.48 lakh hectares of standing crops destroyed, pushing farmers into deep distress. Many farmers have not only lost their livelihoods but also their livestock, further worsening the crisis. Entire stretches of farmland have been transformed into waterlogged expanses, in some cases turning into makeshift lakes as deep as 8 to 10 feet. In several villages, boats have become the only means of mobility, with families clinging to rooftops or makeshift elevated platforms in order to protect their belongings and remain near their animals.
Districts like Gurdaspur, Pathankot, Fazilka, Kapurthala, Tarn Taran, Ferozepur, Hoshiarpur, and Amritsar are among the worst affected. While the administration has set up relief camps, a large section of the population continues to refuse relocation, fearing the loss of property left behind. Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has personally visited some of the worst-hit regions, assuring residents that a special girdawari, or crop and property loss assessment survey, will be conducted to ensure fair compensation for affected families. Appealing for national solidarity, he emphasized that Punjab, which has historically stood by the country during times of crisis, now requires the nation’s support in return.
Leaders from the Aam Aadmi Party have also stepped forward, with Arvind Kejriwal expected to visit the state shortly to review relief measures and meet affected citizens. Earlier, Manish Sisodia visited Tarn Taran, while MP Raghav Chadha pledged Rs 3.25 crore from his Local Area Development fund to strengthen relief operations. Adding to the support, several Punjabi celebrities, including Sonu Sood, Diljit Dosanjh, Gippy Grewal, Karan Aujla, Ammy Virk, and Ranjit Bawa, have publicly expressed solidarity and extended assistance in the ongoing rescue efforts.
Relief and rescue operations are being coordinated on a massive scale by government authorities, aided by NGOs and Sikh organizations that are providing food, shelter, and medical support. To ensure public safety, all schools, colleges, and universities have been ordered shut until September 7. Meanwhile, the water level in the Bhakra dam has reached a dangerously high point of 1,677.84 feet, nearly touching its maximum storage capacity of 1,680 feet, raising further concerns about the potential worsening of the crisis. With an inflow of 86,822 cusecs and an outflow of 65,042 cusecs recorded, the situation continues to remain precarious, making the coming days crucial for both residents and rescue teams working tirelessly on the ground.
