Punjab floods in numbers: 1,018 villages affected, 61,632 hectares of farmland submerged
No end to woes as IMD warns of more rain over next two days; relief operations intensified in Fazilka, Ferozepur
5 min read
Stranded locals wait for their evacuation at a flood-affected village, in Kapurthala, Saturday (PTI)The flood situation in Punjab remained critical Saturday despite a slight reduction in water level at Harike headworks in Tarn Taran, which recorded 2.44 lakh cusecs flow — 19,000 cusecs less than Friday. However, the threat is far from over as the India Meteorological Department (IMD) predicted more rainfall on Sunday and Monday in isolated places of Punjab.
The Sutlej continues to overflow at Kawanwali bridge in Fazilka, which remains submerged. Authorities are on high alert as the river shows no signs of receding quickly.
Officials said floods have so far affected 1,018 villages and over 61,000 hectares of farmland. They include 81 in Pathankot, 52 in Fazilka, 45 in Tarn Taran, 64 in Sri Muktsar Sahib, 22 in Sangrur, 101 in Ferozepur, 107 in Kapurthala, 323 in Gurdaspur, 85 in Hoshiarpur, and 35 in Moga, they said.
The state has also suffered huge financial losses due to crop damage and livestock loss.
According to reports from district headquarters, 16,632 hectares of farm land have been affected in Fazilka, 10,806 hectares in Ferozepur, 11,620 hectares in Kapurthala, 7,000 hectares in Pathankot, 9,928 hectares in Tarn Taran, and 5,287 hectares in Hoshiarpur.
A total of 11,330 people have been rescued so far from flood-hit areas by the NDRF, Army, BSF and the district authorities. These include 2,819 from Ferozepur, 1,052 from Hoshiarpur, 240 from Kapurthala, 4,771 from Gurdaspur, 24 from Moga, 1,100 from Pathankot, 60 from Tarn Taran, 25 from Barnala, and 1,239 from Fazilka, they said.
As many as 4,711 flood-affected people were evacuated and shifted to safer places during the past 24 hours, they further said. These include 812 residents of Ferozepur, 2,571 from Gurdaspur, 4 from Moga, 60 from Tarn Taran, 25 from Barnala, and 1,239 from Fazilka.
The Army deploys BMPs in flood-affected areas of Punjab. The Russia-made amphibious, armoured vehicle is used for transporting and supporting infantry on the battlefield
Currently, 77 relief camps are fully operational out of 87 set up in flood-affected areas, providing shelter to 4,729 people.
State Chief Secretary K A P Sinha on Saturday visited the Pong dam on Beas and flood-affected areas in Mukerian subdivision in Hoshiarpur to review the relief and rescue measures. He later also visited Makora Pattan in the Gurdaspur district. Accompanied by senior officials, the chief secretary inspected the dam, where he directed officials to regulate water discharge strictly on technical parameters, keeping in view the inflow, to minimise hardships for people in the downstream areas. He also asked them to remain vigilant and maintain round-the-clock monitoring.
Punjab Panchayat Minister Tarunpreet Singh Sond, meanwhile. launched the second phase of ration distribution for flood-affected families in Fazilka district. “In the first phase, 3,835 families received ration kits along with cattle feed. Fresh supplies are now being dispatched under the second round,” he said after reviewing relief operations.
According to official data, 20 villages of Fazilka with a population of 13,289 and 8,383 livestock have been impacted. To strengthen rescue efforts, an additional NDRF team has been deployed, taking the total number of boats to 23. Eight relief camps are currently housing 662 people and 384 animals, he said, adding water samples from villages are being regularly tested to ensure safe drinking water.
Sond added that some villages in Jalalabad have also been affected, though the situation there is relatively better than Fazilka. Relief material including ration kits and tarpaulins has been sent to those areas as well.
Army-NDRF operations continue in border villages
In Fazilka’s border villages, Army troops, along with the NDRF and civil administration, continued relief work for the second consecutive day.
The district administration in Ferozepur too intensified rescue operations with the help of the Army, NDRF, BSF, and Punjab Police. Deputy Commissioner Deepshikha Sharma said dry ration kits are being distributed.
The main road leading to the Hussainiwala Retreat Ceremony has been damaged due to floodwaters, and repair work is in progress. The DC said that SDMs have been given funds to ensure uninterrupted relief operations, while teams are using boats to evacuate villagers stranded in deep waters.
In villages Nihala Lavera, Dheera Ghara, and Talligram, 35 people were rescued with the help of NDRF boats. Medical teams are active in areas like Habib Ke and Sultanwala. Veterinary services and fodder supply have been arranged for livestock in Bandala, Ruknewala, and Gatti Rajo Ke. Relief items such as sanitary pads and tarpaulins are also being distributed.
A major relief camp at Bare Ke is housing 260 people. They are being provided food, tea, water, and other necessities with support from social organizations and gurdwaras. The Khalsa Gurudwara Management Committee is serving langar at the camp. School staff are teaching children living there to ensure continuity of education, said Deputy Commissioner
The Punjab State IAS Officers’ Association and the Punjab Civil Service Officers’ Association have expressed solidarity with the people affected by the recent floods in Punjab. As a gesture of support, both associations resolved to contribute one day’s salary to the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund to aid ongoing relief and rehabilitation efforts.
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