The Punjab floods have claimed 29 lives and affected more than 2.56 lakh people in the last month. Pathankot recorded the highest toll with six deaths. Amritsar, Barnala, Hoshiarpur, Ludhiana, Mansa, and Rupnagar reported three deaths each. Other districts such as Bathinda, Gurdaspur, Patiala, Mohali, and Sangrur reported one each.
Since August 1, twelve districts have faced floods. Heavy rain in Himachal Pradesh and Jammu & Kashmir forced the Sutlej, Beas, and Ravi rivers to overflow. Seasonal rivulets also swelled, adding to the disaster. Continuous rainfall in Punjab worsened the crisis.
Rescue teams have moved 15,688 people to safer places. Gurdaspur led with 5,549 rescues, followed by Ferozepur (3,321), Fazilka (2,049), and Amritsar (1,700). In all, 1,044 villages remain flooded. Amritsar reported the highest impact with 35,000 people affected, followed by Ferozepur (24,015) and Fazilka (21,562).
The floods damaged 96,061 hectares of farmland. Livestock losses are also heavy, though numbers will be clear after water recedes. Damage to roads and buildings is yet to be assessed.
Relief work continues with 20 NDRF teams, supported by SDRF, the Army, and Punjab Police. They are working day and night to protect lives and property.
