Heavy showers are predicted along a red alert for the Punjab region over the next 48 hours resulting in significant flooding and disruption in many areas.
Shower intensified after dark and continued as moderate rain on Monday morning. Districts such as Jalandhar, Pathankot, Gurdaspur, Hoshiarpur, Amritsar, Ferozepur, Fazilka, Sangrur, Mansa Moga as well as other areas have seen 8-9 times the amount of rain that was expected since August 25, leading to emergencies. 543 mm was recorded this season while last year had 524 mm, and this month had 238 mm, along with 6.2 mm which was recorded on Saturday. Low-lying areas are flooded to a significant level due excess water levels in Sutlej, Beas, and Ravi rivers.
Jalandhar's Model Town & Defence Colony: Posh areas of Jalandhar are badly hit by floods, water has entered homes and businesses, resulting in loss and disruption.
Sultanpur Lodhi (Kapurthala): Residents in the Kapurthala area were evacuated after rising water of the Beas river threatens safety.
Pathankot, Gurdaspur, Hoshiarpur, Amritsar, Ferozepur, Fazilka, Sangrur, Mansa, Moga: Districts with rain much higher than normal, with severe flooding and landslides.
Low-lying city towns and riverbanks: Catastrophic waterlogging and swift overflow from surrounding rivers continue to impede daily life.
The India Meteorological Department predicts very heavy to extremely heavy rain all over Punjab until September 3, with thunderstorms further increasing the danger. Mudslides and flooding can be anticipated, particularly in hilly catchment and low-lying towns. Poorly constructed or weak buildings have a high chance of destruction.
Schools Closed: Every school in Punjab is closed until September 3 for safety. Emergency services are on red alert, with quick response teams keeping watch.
Orange Alert Extended: Northern Punjab and western Punjab, as well as northern and southern Haryana, are on orange alert—meaning scattered but heavy rain.
Evacuation/Rescue Steps: Governments are calling on the residents of the hardest-hit areas to relocate to safe places and exercise vigilance throughout this time of crisis.
Residents in hit areas are being advised by authorities against traveling, staying at home, and following official advisories as the state prepares for further rain and potential aggravation of floods in the next two days.
