IMD issues heavy rainfall warning for Punjab; 12 districts face severe flooding

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a heavy rainfall warning for Punjab, forecasting intense showers over the next 36 hours, effective until September 3-4 night.

The alert covers multiple districts, with heavy downpours expected today and continuing into tomorrow.

Currently 12 districts in Punjab--Amritsar, Gurdaspur, Moga, Pathankot, Tarn Taran, Firozpur, Hoshiarpur, Patiala, Mohali, Kapurthala, Jalandhar and Ludhiana--are grappling with severe flooding. In Jalandhar’s Phillaur, the rising water levels of the Satluj River have inundated the Shri Shani Temple with water levels reaching up to two feet. The Bhakra Dam’s water level is alarmingly close to the danger mark, just three feet below the threshold.

According to official reports, 1,312 villages have been affected so far. In a tragic incident in Amritsar, a nearly century-old building collapsed amid heavy rains on Monday night. In Sathiala village, Amritsar, a 12-year-old girl lost her life and her family members were injured when the roof of their house caved in.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann over phone, assuring centre’s full support. The Chief Minister who visited flood-affected areas in Firozpur today, is scheduled to hold a high-level meeting via video conferencing to address the crisis.

During his visit, Mann said , “Punjab is facing a critical situation. The state has always stood for the nation, and now, when Punjab is in distress, we hope the nation stands with us.” He emphasized that Punjab is seeking its rightful dues, including RDF and GST funds, and expressed gratitude to the Indian Army for providing 20 helicopters for rescue operations.

Cabinet Minister Dr. Ravjot Singh donated his annual salary for relief efforts, while the Haryana government extended financial aid of Rs 5 crore to support Punjab’s rescue and rehabilitation operations.

In Rupnagar’s Sri Anandpur Sahib, the Nangal-Bhakra feeder canal has breached at 12 locations, causing water to spill onto roads. Minister Harjot Bains personally oversaw relief and rescue operations at the site.

In Patiala’s Ghanaur village, the Ghaggar River has caused flooding in agricultural fields in Sarala, Chamru, Lachhadu, and Kami villages. In Kami, water has entered homes, intensifying fears among residents, who are now seeking safer locations.

The IMD’s Chandigarh center released a weather update today evening predicting heavy rainfall in eight districts Pathankot, Hoshiarpur, Rupnagar, Nawanshahr, Fatehgarh Sahib, Ludhiana, Kapurthala, and Jalandhar on Tuesday. Thirteen districts, including Pathankot, Gurdaspur, Amritsar, Tarn Taran, Hoshiarpur, Kapurthala, Jalandhar, Nawanshahr, Rupnagar, Fatehgarh Sahib, Ludhiana, Sangrur, and others are likely to experience heavy showers tomorrow.

Union Minister Manohar Lal, speaking in Karnal, described the flood situation in Punjab and Jammu and Kashmir as deeply distressing. He said Haryana government has allocated Rs 5 crore each to Punjab and Jammu and Kashmir from its Chief Minister’s Relief Fund for rescue and relief efforts. “Haryana stands firmly with the affected families and we will continue to provide all possible assistance,” he said.

As the crisis unfolds, authorities are intensifying rescue operations and residents in vulnerable areas are urged to stay vigilant and relocate to safer zones.