Ghaggar River Breach Sparks Flood Emergency in Patiala
The flood situation in Punjab worsened on Thursday as the Ghaggar river breached the Bhakra Main Canal embankment near Sarala village in Patiala district. The breach, reported in the Narwana branch of the canal that runs parallel to the river, caused water to rush into several nearby villages.
Officials confirmed that the swollen river submerged Untsar, Rampur, Chamaru, Mavi Kalan, Jhand Mangoli, and Sarala, leaving hundreds stranded. The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and the Indian Army launched rescue operations, using boats to evacuate villagers from inundated areas.
Announcements made in local gurdwaras urged residents to leave their homes immediately. Authorities said the water level in the Ghaggar had risen two feet above the danger mark of 16 feet, triggering urgent evacuations and emergency measures.
Administration on High Alert Across Patiala
The Patiala district administration has sounded an alert for 78 villages located along the Ghaggar banks. The affected blocks include Rajpura, Devigarh, Ghanaur, Sanaur, and Patran, where officials fear more breaches could occur.
“The situation is grim. Our teams are working on a war footing to plug the breaches and prevent water from entering more villages,” a senior district official said. Despite round-the-clock efforts, heavy rainfall is hampering embankment repairs, making the task of controlling the floodwaters even more difficult.
To provide relief, a camp has been set up at the local gurdwara where langar (community meals) is being served to affected families. Authorities are also arranging shelters for those displaced by the flood.
Rising Toll of Punjab Floods
The breach in Patiala comes as Punjab grapples with widespread flood devastation. The state government confirmed on Thursday that 37 lives have been lost so far due to flooding across Punjab.
As many as 1,655 villages have been affected, with major damage reported in Gurdaspur (324 villages), Amritsar (190), Hoshiarpur (121), Kapurthala (123), Ferozepur (111), and Sangrur (107). Officials said the situation remains critical as several rivers, including the Ghaggar, continue to swell due to relentless rainfall.
Disaster management teams are focusing on reinforcing weak embankments while simultaneously evacuating people from vulnerable areas. Relief operations are ongoing, but officials admit that the scale of destruction is stretching resources thin.
Humanitarian Efforts Underway
Community participation has played a significant role in relief work. Villagers, local volunteers, and religious institutions are extending support to affected families. Many residents have opened their homes to displaced neighbors, while gurdwaras are offering food and shelter.
State officials said that all possible assistance will be extended, and more resources are being mobilized to strengthen embankments and distribute relief materials. The administration emphasized the need for caution, urging residents near rivers to stay alert and cooperate with rescue teams.
Experts say the repeated breaches in the Ghaggar embankments highlight the urgent need for long-term flood management infrastructure. Without stronger protective systems, Punjab’s villages remain vulnerable to recurring monsoon disasters.
Looking Ahead
With the water level in the Ghaggar still rising, officials warn that the next 48 hours are critical. Preventing further breaches remains the administration’s top priority, while parallel efforts are being made to ensure the safety of villagers.
The Punjab government has reiterated its commitment to rehabilitation and announced compensation for affected families. However, officials stress that immediate focus must remain on saving lives and preventing further flooding in Patiala and nearby districts.
For now, Punjab continues to battle a humanitarian and infrastructural crisis as the Ghaggar’s fury puts thousands at risk.