Chandigarh, September 3: The scale of Punjab flood damages has intensified, forcing the government to declare all 23 districts in the state as flood-hit. Heavy rains and swollen rivers have inundated more than 1,400 villages, leaving thousands of families displaced and farmland under water.
Officials reported that nearly 3.7 lakh acres of crops have been destroyed, severely impacting farmers. The Punjab flood damages are worst in Gurdaspur, where one lakh acres of fields have been ruined. Amritsar, Ferozepur, and Fazilka are also among the hardest-hit districts.
So far, over 3.55 lakh residents have been affected, and more than 19,600 people have been rescued by state and central teams. The government has set up 174 relief camps, now sheltering over 5,000 individuals. Forces deployed include 23 NDRF units, Army and Air Force columns, helicopters, and BSF support.
Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann toured flood-hit Ferozepur by boat, while Governor Gulab Chand Kataria visited Tarn Taran. Mann has appealed to the Centre to release pending funds, calling them Punjab’s right, not charity.
With the Punjab flood damages continuing to rise, the India Meteorological Department has warned of further heavy rainfall in the coming days, raising the risk of additional flooding. Relief officials are urging people in low-lying areas to remain alert as rescue teams intensify efforts.
