Rain plays havoc in region: Jalandhar hit by torrential downpour

A tree falls on the Auckland-Badash Road near Badash in Shimla due to heavy rain on Monday. Tribune Photo: Lalit Kumar

September 1, 2025 11:28 am

Landslides disrupt traffic in Mandi, Lahaul-Spiti

September 1, 2025 11:25 am

Heavy rain over the past 24 hours has triggered multiple landslides across Mandi and Lahaul-Spiti districts, severely affecting road connectivity and leaving hundreds of vehicles stranded. The Kiratpur-Manali National Highway (NH-3) has been blocked at several locations between Mandi and Aut due to landslides, cutting off road access between Mandi and Kullu. The highway was first blocked yesterday afternoon, and fresh landslides reported overnight have worsened the situation. As a result, a large number of vehicles, including passenger buses, tourist vehicles, and trucks, are stuck on both sides, particularly in Mandi and Kullu towns. Adding to the travel woes, the Mandi-Pathankot Highway (NH-154) is also closed between Mandi and Jogindernagar, following a landslide near the Lavandi Bridge. Traffic on this route has come to a complete standstill, putting additional pressure on alternative, often narrow, rural roads. In Lahaul-Spiti, the Sansari–Killar–Thirot–Tandi road has also been affected. A massive rockfall at Nili Dhank has blocked the route, halting all vehicular movement. This road connects remote areas of Pangi and Lahaul valleys, and its closure has staranded several local residents and travellers. Authorities said that restoration work is underway at all affected locations, but continuous rainfall and the risk of further landslides are hampering efforts. The district administrations of Mandi and Lahaul-Spiti have issued advisories, urging people to avoid non-essential travel in the affected areas. Emergency services and local police have been deployed to manage traffic and assist stranded commuters. Meanwhile, residents and tourists expressed concern over frequent landslides and resulting travel disruptions during the monsoon season.

‘Declare Punjab floods a national tragedy’: NAPA

September 1, 2025 10:55 am

The North American Punjabi Association (NAPA) has urged the Centre to declare the ongoing floods in Punjab a national tragedy, expressing deep anguish over the continued silence of the central government and national media on the massive disaster. NAPA Executive Director Satnam Singh Chahal said it was extremely unfortunate that neither the Prime Minister, nor the Home Minister, nor any senior minister of the central government has acknowledged the devastation being faced by the people of Punjab. Chahal said, “When villages are submerged, crops destroyed, homes washed away, and families forced into distress, the silence of the highest offices of the country is not just neglect but an insult. Punjab has always been on the frontlines—feeding the country, safeguarding its borders, and contributing to national growth—yet in its darkest hour, it feels abandoned.”

Heavy rain lashes Ludhiana, sparks panic in flood-hit areas

September 1, 2025 10:48 am

Heavy showers lashed Ludhiana since around 5:30 am on Monday, continuing non-stop for over three hours and adding to the woes of flood-hit Punjab. Panic gripped residents as waterlogged streets and rising water levels created fresh concerns across the city. Although schools across the state remained closed due to floods and incessant rain, a thin attendance was reported in colleges. Students struggled to reach campuses amid the downpour and waterlogging. Waterlogging was reported in low-lying areas, particularly Basti Jodhewal, Tajpur Road, Samrala Chowk, Rani Jhansi Road, and near Lodhi Club. Locals were seen praying for relief from rain that has already disrupted lives and livelihoods across the region. In villages situated along the Sutlej, anxiety mounted as the water level continued to rise. “Water is just a few metres away from entering the fields, and villagers are panicked,” said Sonu, Sarpanch of Boothgarh. He added that the administration had sent teams late last night to assess the situation and put up measures to prevent water along vulnerable stretches. Despite the situation, Ludhiana Deputy Commissioner Himanshu Jain maintained that the situation in the district was under control, and urged the public not to panic. Meanwhile, social media groups were abuzz with Samaritans mobilising relief efforts. Messages were exchanged seeking rations, mosquito nets, water, and first-aid kits for flood-hit areas. Volunteers were also seen arranging boats to provide rescue and relief. Several trees were uprooted across different areas, and the relentless rain further disrupted normal life in the city.

A view of a waterlogged road at Haibowal area in Ludhiana. Tribune Photo: Himanshu Mahajan

September 1, 2025 10:35 am

Pong Dam continues high discharge amid heavy inflow

September 1, 2025 10:28 am

Amid continued heavy rain in the Beas river catchment, the water level at Pong Dam on Monday morning was recorded at 1,390.52 feet, slightly above the permissible mark of 1,390 feet. According to officials, the inflow stood at 79,790 cusecs, while the outflow reached 1,09,920 cusecs. Of the total discharge, 17,079 cusecs passed through turbines and 92,841 cusecs through the spillway. Six machines remained operational at the powerhouse. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast continued rain in the catchment area, keeping inflows high. At Madhopur Headworks (MHC), the discharge was reported at 11,500 cusecs, while the Shah Nehar Barrage (SNB) downstream recorded 98,420 cusecs of discharge. Kangra Deputy Commissioner Hemraj Bairwa, who is closely monitoring the situation, has urged residents in downstream areas to remain alert as high discharge from the dam continues. Meanwhile, several areas in the Beas catchment have received widespread rain in the past 24 hours. According to official data received at the district headquarters on Monday morning, Palampur recorded the highest rain at 88.20 mm.

Temporary diversion on Vaddi Nadi at Daulatpur closed due to rain

September 1, 2025 10:14 am

The district administration in Patiala has temporary closed the diversion constructed on Vaddi Nadi at Daulatpur. Considering the situation, the diversion has been closed for the next few days. Executive Engineer (Civil), Punjab Mandi Board, Amritpal Singh, stated that the soil structure of the diversion has turned soft and unstable, creating a safety risk for commuters. Therefore, in the interest of public safety, the diversion has been closed with immediate effect. It will remain closed for approximately four to five days.”

Downstream Ghaggar on alert as water level rises

September 1, 2025 10:00 am

The administration has announced an alert for downstream areas of Ghaggar after a significant rise in water level in Ghanaur, following heavy rain in the catchment region. Villages in Sanaur and Khanauri are likely to be hit with more water in some hours from now, officials said.

Yellow alert issued in Delhi; IMD forecasts heavy rain

September 1, 2025 9:54 am

The national capital was placed under a yellow alert for thunderstorms accompanied by lightning and moderate to heavy rainfall through the morning and forenoon. PTI

Rainwater enters homes, showrooms in Jalandhar

September 1, 2025 9:53 am

Torrential rain accompanied by thunderstorms in the wee hours of Monday played havoc in Jalandhar, causing widespread flooding, power outages, and damage to property. The city experienced what was possibly its heaviest rainfall of this season, with the downpour beginning around 2 am and submerging large parts of the city within an hour. The Municipal Corporation reported several complaints of building collapses, uprooted trees blocking roads, and power lines snapped by falling branches. Electricity supply across several areas remained disrupted for over five hours, said officials from PSPCL. Rainwater entered houses and shops. Posh colonies like Defence Colony and Model Town remained the biggest sufferers.