Punjab Flood Crisis Deepens
Punjab continues to grapple with its worst flood disaster in decades, as heavy rainfall and swollen rivers extend the scale of destruction. Revenue, Rehabilitation and Disaster Management Minister Hardeep Singh Mundian reported that 48 more villages were affected in the past 24 hours, adding 2,691 people and 2,131 hectares of crops to the devastation.
Till date, a staggering 1,996 villages across 22 districts have been impacted, affecting nearly 3.87 lakh people. The toll has risen to 46, with three more lives lost in Amritsar and Rupnagar districts. Three persons remain missing in Pathankot.
Mundian said the government remains on high alert as the damage to farmland crosses 1.74 lakh hectares across 18 districts, posing a grave threat to the state’s agricultural backbone.
Large-Scale Evacuation and Relief Camps
Evacuation operations have been carried out on a war footing. In the last 24 hours alone, 925 more residents were shifted to safety, bringing the total number of evacuated persons to 22,854.
Districts like Gurdaspur, Fazilka, Ferozepur, Amritsar, Hoshiarpur, Pathankot, and Kapurthala have seen the highest number of rescues. Gurdaspur tops the list with 5,581 evacuations, followed by Fazilka with 4,202 and Ferozepur with 3,888.
At present, 139 relief camps are operational, sheltering 6,121 displaced citizens. Since the onset of floods, 219 camps have been set up across different districts. The largest numbers are in Fazilka, which houses 2,588 people across 14 camps, and Barnala, with 527 people in 49 camps. Other districts like Hoshiarpur, Rupnagar, Moga, and Mansa are also accommodating hundreds of flood-hit residents.
“These camps are ensuring shelter, food, and healthcare to families who have lost their homes. Relief measures are being coordinated around the clock,” the minister said.
Massive Agricultural Losses
Punjab’s agrarian economy has suffered unprecedented damage. With 2,131 hectares of crops ruined in the last 24 hours, the cumulative crop loss has now crossed 1.74 lakh hectares.
Among the worst-hit districts are:
- Gurdaspur: 40,169 hectares
- Fazilka: 18,649 hectares
- Ferozepur: 17,257 hectares
- Kapurthala: 17,574 hectares
- Hoshiarpur: 8,322 hectares
- Tarn Taran: 12,828 hectares
- Sangrur: 6,560 hectares
- SAS Nagar: 2,000 hectares
Mundian emphasized that the impact on agriculture is devastating, as farmers face huge losses to standing crops, livestock, and farmland. He said the government will assess the damage thoroughly and push for adequate compensation.
Army, NDRF, and Air Force in Action
The state’s relief operations are being reinforced by multiple central agencies. A total of 23 National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams are currently deployed across Amritsar, Fazilka, Gurdaspur, Ferozepur, Jalandhar, Hoshiarpur, Patiala, Ludhiana, Pathankot, and Rupnagar. Two State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) teams are active in Kapurthala.
The Indian Army has deployed 27 columns and seven Engineer Task Forces in affected districts. Additionally, nine helicopters of the Army and Air Force are engaged in evacuations, air-dropping rations, and supplying medicines.
The Border Security Force (BSF) has also joined operations in Ferozepur sector, while 158 boats and one state helicopter are being used extensively for rescue and relief.
Expressing gratitude to the armed forces, Mundian said: “The tireless efforts of the Army, Air Force, BSF, and NDRF have saved countless lives. Punjab is indebted to their service during this unprecedented calamity.”
Call for Sustained Relief and Rehabilitation
As Punjab struggles with the continuing crisis, the focus has now shifted to long-term rehabilitation. Thousands of families have lost homes, farmland, and sources of income. Officials warn that the full extent of economic damage will only be clear after waters recede.
Minister Mundian assured that the state government is committed to supporting every affected family. He added that a detailed report of damages will be shared with the Centre to seek urgent financial support.
“This is not just a natural disaster. It is a humanitarian challenge that requires sustained cooperation from all levels of government,” he stressed.