Punjab battles worst floods since 1988; NRIs, citizens rally with aid and donations

Punjab is facing its most severe flooding since 1988, as heavy rainfall in the catchment areas of Himachal Pradesh and Jammu & Kashmir has caused the Sutlej, Beas, and Ravi rivers to overflow, inundating vast stretches of farmland and villages.

Social media is flooded with posts highlighting the crisis, as residents, Non-Resident Indians (NRIs), and others across the globe come forward with donations and support.

The worst-hit districts include Pathankot, Gurdaspur, Fazilka, Kapurthala, Tarn Taran, Ferozepur, Hoshiarpur, and Amritsar. Several low-lying villages in these regions have been submerged, displacing many families and damaging property and crops.

Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has instructed all district administrations to intensify rescue and relief operations. He is scheduled to chair a high-level meeting in Chandigarh on Friday to assess the ongoing situation and discuss further action.

In Rajpura, the Flood Control Room has been activated. Residents in need of assistance can contact officials at 01762-224132.

In Patiala district, the administration has also ramped up precautions. Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) of Dudhansadhan, Kirpalveer Singh, has issued alerts to residents of Bhasmra, Jalah Kheri, and Raju Kheri villages. SDM Harjot Kaur Mavi has advised residents in Hadana, Pur, and Sirkapra villages to remain vigilant.

The Patiala District Control Room is operational and reachable at 0175-2350550 and 0175-2358550. Authorities have urged residents not to spread or believe in rumours and to promptly report any rise in water levels.

Patiala has a history of flood-related devastation. In 1993, massive floods overwhelmed Rajpura and Samana. Again in 2023, monsoon-triggered flooding caused widespread damage across several villages in the district.