Punjab reels under the worst floods in nearly four decades. According to the latest government bulletin, 29 people have died and 2.56 lakh residents have been affected across 1,044 villages spanning 12 districts. Among the hardest-hit are Gurdaspur (321 villages), Amritsar (88), Kapurthala (115), and Hoshiarpur (94). District-wise evacuation figures showcase major relief efforts: 5,549 rescued in Gurdaspur, 3,321 in Ferozepur, 2,049 in Fazilka, and 1,139 in Pathankot. In Amritsar and Hoshiarpur, 1,700 and 1,052 civilians were evacuated respectively, along with smaller numbers in Kapurthala, Moga, Mansa, Tarn Taran, Barnala, and SAS Nagar . Total evacuations across Punjab stand at 15,688 people, with 7,144 currently sheltered in 129 relief camps, including 25 each in Gurdaspur and Hoshiarpur, 20 in Patiala, and 14 in Pathankot. Floodwaters have submerged approximately 96,061 hectares of farmland, with extensive losses reported to crops and livestock—assessments are ongoing.Relief efforts are in full swing, with NDRF, SDRF, Army, BSF, and local authorities working in tandem to rescue stranded villagers, set up camps, and deliver food, medical aid, and essentials. In Fazilka and Ferozepur, Dr. Baljit Kaur led on-ground relief, distributing ration kits, sanitary napkins, mosquito nets, and hosting community meals (langar). Relief material worth over ₹70 lakh has been dispatched. She also assured future compensation, raised for displaced elders and specially-abled persons, and planned revenue-based support. Schools across the state remain closed until 3 September, prioritizing student safety amid continued flooding. Despite relentless monsoon, recovery remains fragile. Rescue operations continue as millions struggle with disrupted livelihoods, infrastructure damage, and waterlogged homes.
Continuous heavy rainfall, combined with swelling rivers like the Ravi, Beas, and Sutlej, has devastated towns and villages. Mass evacuations have been organized by government agencies, with nearly 15,700 people moved to safer locations and 129 relief camps operational throughout the state. The Punjab government instituted an emergency closure of schools, colleges, and universities till at least September 3, prioritizing student safety. Union Home Minister Amit Shah assured Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann of immediate assistance, including the deployment of NDRF teams and Army resources for rescue and rehabilitation. The Ministry of Home Affairs established inter-ministerial teams to assess the damage across Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Jammu and Kashmir. Estimates of agricultural losses are staggering: with paddy fields submerged and livestock lost, farmers face an uncertain future. Crop insurance remains absent in Punjab, exposing farmers to financial ruin. Relief measures including food, medicines, and temporary shelter continue but are challenged by the extent of the disaster.Authorities have warned that the complete scope of infrastructure damage, especially roads and houses, will only be revealed after waters recede. Citizens and local officials are calling for not just compensation but systemic changes—crop insurance, robust flood infrastructure, and rapid deployment of rescue resources.
