Chandigarh, August 29
With rivers already overflowing and hundreds of villages under floodwaters, Punjab faces yet another threat. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an alert warning of heavy to very heavy rainfall across several districts of the state on August 30 and 31, raising fears of a worsening crisis.
Punjab is reeling under devastating floods caused by incessant rainfall and the release of water from major dams, including Pong and Bhakra. Districts such as Pathankot, Gurdaspur, Hoshiarpur, Ferozepur, and Fazilka remain badly affected. Thousands of acres of crops are submerged, many villages have lost connectivity, and rescue operations by NDRF and SDRF teams continue round-the-clock.
Why Experts Call It a ‘Double Blow’
According to experts, the fresh alert poses a severe challenge for Punjab:
Rivers already in spate: Additional rainfall could further swell already overflowing rivers.
Soaked ground: With the soil waterlogged, its capacity to absorb rain is almost nil, increasing the risk of waterlogging in both rural and urban areas.
Pressure on dams: Fresh rainfall may heighten pressure on dams, forcing more water releases downstream.
Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has directed all departments to remain on high alert. Relief work is being reviewed continuously, and as a precaution, the government has ordered all government and private schools across Punjab to remain closed till August 30.
The administration has appealed to the public to stay calm but vigilant, and to strictly avoid going near rivers and drains during the next 48 hours.
