Punjabis stand tall and united in defying floods as waters rise in villages

Aid pours in Punjab as thousands of villages remain waterlogged and thousands of families have been displaced, struggling to cope with the destruction of their homes and fields.

Despite the widespread destruction, the people of Punjab remain resilient.

Communities continue to support each other, and the collective spirit of the state stands tall, unshaken and united.

Relief efforts continue at full pace and coordination is ongoing.

So far, the floods have claimed 43 lives and damaged crops across over 1.71 lakh hectares, leaving farmers in deep distress.

While some parts of Punjab reported only light rainfall over the last 24 hours, bringing brief respite, the overall flood situation remains grim.

State government's data:

1,902 villages across 23 districts have been affected.

3.84 lakh people are impacted.

20,972 people have been evacuated.

Crops on 1.71 lakh hectares have been destroyed.

The death toll has risen to 43.

Responding to an urgent request from Ludhiana Deputy Commissioner, the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) on Friday reduced the outflow from Bhakra Dam from 85,000 to 70,000 cusecs.

The move comes after reports of possible breaches along the Sutlej river embankments. To aid repair efforts and prevent flooding in vulnerable areas, BBMB will now release approximately 50,000 cusecs into the Sutlej over the next six hours.