Devastation in Punjab: Relentless Rains and Dam Water Release Trigger Unimaginable Flood Crisis

Punjab is reeling under the impact of relentless rains and dam water releases, plunging the entire state into a flood crisis of unimaginable proportions. The situation has worsened dramatically, with heart-wrenching videos emerging from the region showing the suffering of both people and animals. Elderly residents and helpless livestock are seen being swept away by the raging floodwaters, their lives and hopes washed away in moments.

The state’s rivers—Sutlej, Beas, Ravi, and Ghaggar—are all flowing above the danger mark, causing widespread panic and destruction. The Punjab government has declared all 23 districts as flood-affected, with more than 30 lives lost and over 350,000 people impacted so far. Districts like Gurdaspur, Pathankot, Hoshiarpur, Kapurthala, Tarn Taran, Ferozepur, Fazilka, Jalandhar, and Rupnagar have faced severe devastation.

The Meteorological Department has issued a red alert for Punjab, warning of continued heavy rainfall and little hope for immediate relief. Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann visited flood-hit areas on Tuesday to assess the situation firsthand. The scenes on the ground are shocking—families who have lost everything still find the strength to serve tea to volunteers helping with rescue and relief operations.

Among the many distressing images, one shows farmers’ buffaloes and cows being swept away by floodwaters, with rescue teams working tirelessly to save both humans and animals. In Jalandhar, a train can be seen crossing an underpass completely submerged in water, while in Kapurthala, a volunteer hands a food packet to a stranded man whose home has been cut off by the flood.

The army and rescue teams are conducting large-scale operations to evacuate families to safety, braving treacherous conditions to reach those in need. The Chief Minister, when asked about the crisis, admitted that nature’s fury can sometimes overwhelm all human efforts. But while nature’s wrath is undeniable, abandoning the people of Punjab to the mercy of the floods is not an option.

This is the third major flood Punjab has faced in six years, with previous disasters in 2023 and 2019 leaving hundreds of villages submerged and vast stretches of farmland destroyed. Last year alone, over 1,500 villages and 221,000 hectares of crops were lost to the floods.

As Punjab battles yet another catastrophic flood, the images and stories emerging from the state serve as a stark reminder of the urgent need for disaster preparedness and resilient infrastructure. For now, residents are urged to stay safe, remain vigilant, and support each other through these trying times.

Stay tuned for more updates and take care of yourself and your loved ones.

Reported by Vanshika Singh for ABP Live.