Punjab declares all 23 districts as flood-hit
Departments directed to repair damaged infrastructure on a war-footing, while telecom companies instructed to ensure seamless connectivity, keeping communication lines functional during crisis to support citizens and emergency services effectively throughout Punjab.
Punjab has declared all 23 districts flood-hit as of Tuesday, activating emergency measures under the Disaster Management Act, 2025. Until Monday, 12 districts were severely affected by the worst flooding seen in decades. Chief Secretary KAP Sinha issued an order empowering deputy commissioners to act independently in threatening disaster situations and ensure readiness for emergencies. The Public Works, Water Resources, and Power Departments have been instructed to repair damaged infrastructure urgently on a war-footing.
The flood situation remains critical, with 30 deaths reported and nearly 3.55 lakh people affected so far. Approximately 19,600 people have been evacuated from flood-affected zones, including 1,400 villages. The civil administration is working alongside rescue teams from the Army, Air Force, National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), and Border Security Force (BSF), all bracing for more heavy rains forecast for Wednesday and Thursday.
River water levels have surged dramatically, exacerbating the situation. For example, the Beas River’s flow at Chakki bank escalated from 1,910 cusecs to 8,400 cusecs by evening. At Dhilwan in Sultanpur Lodhi, the Beas flow was recorded at 2.04 lakh cusecs, slightly down from the morning. The Sutlej River’s flow at Ropar decreased from 1.02 lakh cusecs to 71,486 cusecs in the evening, while the Harike site, where Beas and Sutlej converge, recorded a flow of 2.93 lakh cusecs.
Water levels at key dams also remain dangerously high.
Punjab’s floods have caused massive disruption. Over 3.7 lakh acres of farmland, primarily paddy, have been submerged, severely damaging crops and threatening agricultural livelihoods. More than 1,400 villages have been impacted, with Gurdaspur district hardest hit, having over 324 villages flooded and the highest crop losses. The escalating floods have also led to large-scale livestock deaths, compounding distress in rural areas dependent on agriculture and dairy farming.
In response to this calamity, Deputy Commissioners have been authorized to enforce emergency actions independently, and all concerned departments have been ordered to maintain a round-the-clock presence to manage relief and restoration efforts. The Public Works Department, Water Resources Department, and Power Corporation have been directed to restore critical infrastructure urgently. Telecom companies have been instructed to keep communications uninterrupted, as seamless connectivity is vital during this crisis.
Relief efforts have involved extensive evacuation and shelter arrangements. Nearly 20,000 people have been rescued and relocated to safer locations. A total of 174 relief camps have been set up across affected districts, sheltering over 5,000 people, with Fazilka housing the most at 1,304. Twenty-three NDRF teams, along with multiple columns of the Indian Army and Air Force, have been deployed for continuous rescue and relief operations. Over 30 helicopters and many boats are being used in rescue missions, supported by the Border Security Force.
The state’s leadership, including Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, has continuously visited flood-hit areas to coordinate relief activities and has called for broader support to manage this unprecedented disaster. Weather forecasts warn of continued heavy rainfall, raising concerns about further deterioration. Authorities are urging the public to stay vigilant and cooperate with evacuation and relief measures.
Punjab, known as India’s food basket, faces a critical challenge as the flooding threatens food security and rural livelihoods. The government’s swift response aims to minimize damage and ensure relief reaches the most vulnerable communities as the state battles one of its worst flood crises in decades. The situation remains fluid, requiring round-the-clock efforts by all stakeholders to protect lives and infrastructure while anticipating further monsoon impacts.