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Punjab is facing one of its worst flood disasters in nearly 40 years. Since heavy monsoon rains began pouring in late August, the situation has escalated rapidly, impacting more than 1,655 villages across all 23 districts. Rivers like the Sutlej, Beas, and Ravi have swollen to dangerous levels, submerging vast areas of farmland and settlements.
The floods have tragically claimed 37 lives so far, with many more displaced from their homes. Especially hard-hit are districts such as Gurdaspur, Amritsar, Ferozepur, and Fazilka. Over 3.5 lakh people are directly affected, with more than 1.75 lakh acres of crops underwater, dealing a severe blow to farmers and the local economy.
Rescue and relief operations are being carried out on a large scale. The Indian Army, Air Force, Border Security Force, and National Disaster Response Force, alongside several NGOs, have mobilized hundreds of boats and helicopters to evacuate stranded residents and deliver essential supplies. Relief camps are set up across the state to shelter thousands of displaced families.
Due to the ongoing crisis, the Punjab government has ordered the closure of all schools, colleges, and universities until September 7 for the safety of students. The Indian Meteorological Department has predicted a significant decrease in rainfall starting September 4 but has not ruled out light to moderate showers over the coming days.
Local residents describe the flood as worse than previous years. Rajesh Sharma, a farmer from Gurdaspur, shared, “Our fields have turned into lakes, and we have lost almost all our crops. We hope the government can help us recover soon.” While the heavy rains have eased, officials warn that floodwaters and the after-effects will remain a challenge for weeks. Officials and disaster management teams emphasize the need for continued vigilance as rescue and rehabilitation efforts remain top priorities.
