SRINAGAR: Severe flooding across Punjab has claimed 30 lives, with officials confirming that all 23 districts of the state are affected. The disaster, described as the worst since 1988, has submerged more than 1,400 villages and devastated vast stretches of farmland, according to multiple media reports.
Triggered by relentless rainfall and overflowing rivers, the floods have displaced thousands, with authorities reporting that over 3.5 lakh people have been affected. Nearly 20,000 residents have been evacuated to safer areas as rescue teams continue operations in the worst-hit regions, reports NDTV.
Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has declared Punjab a disaster-hit state and appealed for urgent assistance from the Centre. He warned that the crisis could deepen further, with the Sutlej, Beas and Ravi rivers still flowing above danger levels and more rain forecast.
Educational institutions have been closed across several districts, while relief camps are housing displaced families. Officials estimate that crops across several lakh acres have been destroyed, dealing a severe blow to Punjab’s agricultural economy.
Authorities have urged people in low-lying areas to remain vigilant as efforts to provide food, shelter and medical aid are being scaled up across the state.
