Punjab Floods: 1,400 Villages Submerged, 4.5 Lakh Affected

Punjab is facing a severe flood crisis, impacting over 1,400 villages and 450,000 residents. With 37 lives lost and significant agricultural damage, the state has declared an emergency. Schools are closed, and rescue operations are underway. Rising dam water levels and continued heavy rainfall forecasts exacerbate the situation. Political figures are advocating for relief packages to support recovery efforts.

Key Points:

  • Over 1,400 villages in Punjab are submerged, affecting 450,000 residents, with 37 lives lost.
  • Schools and colleges are closed until September 7, and emergency measures are in place to manage the disaster.
  • Agricultural losses are significant, with 350,000 acres of farmland underwater, and major dams are releasing high volumes of water.

Punjab Flood Crisis: September 4, 2025

As of September 4, 2025, Punjab is facing a severe flood crisis, affecting over 1,400 villages and approximately 450,000 residents. The disaster has resulted in 37 deaths, with casualties reported in Barnala and Ludhiana.

State Declared Disaster-Hit Area

The state has been declared a disaster-hit area, leading to the implementation of emergency measures across all government departments. Employee leaves have been canceled, and rescue operations are being conducted urgently. Educational institutions, including schools and colleges, are closed until September 7 to ensure public safety.

Agricultural Losses and Dam Water Levels

Agricultural sectors are experiencing substantial losses, with around 350,000 acres of farmland submerged, creating a crisis for local farmers. The situation is aggravated by increased water levels in major dams such as Bhakra, Pong, and Ranjit Sagar. Bhakra Dam is releasing approximately 75,000 cusecs of water daily, and Ranjit Sagar Dam has opened all gates for the first time in 37 years.

Continued Rainfall and Government Support

Meteorological forecasts indicate continued heavy rainfall, potentially worsening the existing conditions. District authorities have been granted greater autonomy to expedite relief efforts, with additional financial support expected from central government agencies, including the NDRF and SDRF, which are actively involved in rescue and relief operations.

Political Visits and Recovery Efforts

Political figures like CM Kejriwal and Rahul Gandhi are scheduled to visit the affected areas. Rahul Gandhi has advocated for a special relief package to support recovery, particularly for the state's agricultural community. The focus remains on immediate rescue, relief distribution, and long-term recovery planning to mitigate the impact of the devastating floods.