Punjab continues to reel under a severe flood crisis, with the official death toll rising to 48 and more than 2,000 villages still submerged. Authorities estimate that nearly 3.9 lakh people have been affected across the state, making this one of the worst disasters in recent years.
Among the worst-hit districts are Gurdaspur, where over 1.45 lakh residents and nearly 40,000 hectares of crops have been devastated, and Amritsar, where more than 1.3 lakh people are struggling with waterlogging and damage. Other affected regions include Ferozepur and Fazilka, each reporting tens of thousands impacted.
The floods have destroyed crops over 4.42 lakh acres, causing massive agricultural losses. Livestock has also been hit hard, with over 2.52 lakh animals and nearly 6 lakh poultry birds affected. The state’s Animal Husbandry Department has deployed 481 veterinary teams and distributed large quantities of feed and fodder to save surviving animals.
Rescue and relief operations are in full swing. Over 22,900 people have been evacuated with the help of the Army, Air Force, NDRF, BSF, and local teams. At least 124 relief camps are active, providing shelter to more than 5,400 people. Boats and helicopters have been pressed into service to reach stranded residents.
Union Minister Ravneet Singh Bittu has urged BJP-ruled states, including Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and Gujarat, to extend support. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to visit Punjab tomorrow to review the situation and may announce a special relief package.
Experts warn that the threat is not over yet, as heavy rainfall alerts continue across Punjab. Officials are racing to prevent outbreaks of waterborne diseases as floodwaters slowly recede.
