By KEmel49
Punjab, India – At least 30 people have been killed and more than 354,000 others displaced or affected as heavy monsoon rains unleashed devastating floods across the north Indian state of Punjab, officials confirmed on Wednesday.
All 23 Districts Declared Flood-Hit
Authorities have classified all of Punjab’s 23 districts as flood-affected after rising rivers and overflowing reservoirs pushed water levels to dangerous thresholds. More than 20,000 people have been evacuated from low-lying areas, with hundreds of relief camps now operational to provide temporary shelter, food, and medical care.
Worst Floods Since 1988, Says Chief Minister
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann called the disaster the worst flooding the state has witnessed since 1988. He urged the nation to “stand by Punjab” and sought immediate financial support from the federal government to aid relief and rehabilitation efforts.
Punjab, often called the “food basket of India,” plays a vital role in the country’s agricultural economy, producing staple crops such as wheat and rice. The government has reported that nearly 148,000 hectares of farmland are submerged, sparking fears of widespread crop failure.
Livelihoods and Agriculture at Risk
Nearly 25% of Punjab’s 30 million residents rely directly on agriculture. With farmlands under water, experts warn that rural livelihoods face a severe blow, threatening both the state’s economy and food security in India.
Rivers and Reservoirs Near Breaking Point
Torrential rainfall has swollen the Sutlej, Beas, and Ravi rivers, bringing them close to breaching dangerous levels. Several reservoirs across the state are also nearing full capacity, raising the risk of additional flooding.
Villagers along the Sutlej river said they are keeping a constant watch on the water levels. “The water is high. The dam is seeping… Wherever it breaks, we fix it with sacks,” Jasveer Singh, a resident of Sabra village, told BBC Punjabi.
Rescue Operations in Full Swing
Disaster response forces, supported by the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force, are spearheading rescue efforts. At least 35 helicopters and more than 100 boats have been deployed to evacuate stranded residents and deliver aid.
Chief Minister Mann toured Ferozepur district by boat on Tuesday, describing the situation as “grim” and renewing his appeal for central assistance.
Weather Agency Explains Flood Cause
India’s Meteorological Department (IMD) attributed the flooding to the repeated clash between monsoon currents and westerly disturbances, a pattern that has also triggered record rainfall across other northern states.
Cross-Border Impact in Pakistan
The flooding crisis extends beyond India’s borders. In neighboring Pakistan’s Punjab province, weeks of torrential rains have affected nearly two million people, highlighting the scale of the monsoon’s destructive impact in South Asia.
