Punjab Floods: Govt Declares State Disaster-Hit, More Than 1400 Villages Submerged, 30 Dead

Punjab Floods: The rains have not stopped, and neither has the fear. Across Punjab, swollen rivers, overflowing dams, and endless sheets of water have turned daily life into a struggle for survival. By Wednesday, the state government had no choice but to declare Punjab a disaster-affected region, as at least 30 lives were lost to floods and rain-related incidents.

In villages across 23 districts, water has swallowed homes, farms, and roads. More than 1,400 villages are under water, their residents cut off from the rest of the state. Crops covering 3.75 lakh acres of farmland-much of it ready for harvest-now lie destroyed, while livestock losses deepen the crisis for farming families.

Relief on War Footing

Chief Secretary K A P Sinha, heading the State Executive Committee under the Disaster Management Act, 2025, has handed sweeping powers to district officials. They can now take any step needed under Section 34 of the Act to deal with what he called a "threatening disaster situation." Essential service departments like PWD, Water Resources, and PSPCL have been placed on emergency duty. Even telecom providers have been warned to keep mobile and landline connectivity alive.

Classrooms Fall Silent

In an unprecedented move, the Education Department has ordered all schools, colleges, and universities to remain closed until September 7. Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains urged citizens to listen to local authorities and not take unnecessary risks.

Rivers at the Edge

Heavy rains have worsened the flood surge. Gurdaspur received 94.7 mm of rain, while Mohali saw 55.5 mm in just a day. In Ropar, residents living along the Sutlej River have been told to stay alert. The Bhakra Dam is at 1,677.84 ft, almost at its danger mark, while the Pong Dam has already exceeded safe limits. Water released into rivers at Harike and Hussainiwala has been labelled "high flood level," fuelling fears of worse days ahead.

Villages Under Warning

From Harsa Bela to Majari, flood warnings stretch across dozens of settlements. For many families, evacuation is the only option.