Punjab is grappling with its worst flood in nearly four decades, as torrential monsoon rains and controlled water releases from the Bhakra, Pong, and Ranjit Sagar dams have caused major rivers — including the Beas, Sutlej, Ravi, and Ghaggar — to overflow. The disaster has left behind widespread destruction, submerging villages, crippling agriculture, and displacing thousands.

Rising Human and Agricultural Losses

At least 37 people have lost their lives so far, while many remain missing. Thousands have been forced from their homes, with more than 1,650 villages across all 23 districts affected. The damage to Punjab’s farmlands is equally severe: around 175,000 acres of crops, including paddy, cotton, and sugarcane, now lie underwater. Farmers fear that the loss will devastate the upcoming harvest season.

Parampreet Singh, a farmer from Gurdaspur, described his despair: “Everything is gone. We prepared the fields for months, but now they are submerged. We have nothing left.”

Massive Rescue and Relief Efforts

Rescue operations are in full swing, with the National Disaster Response Force, State Disaster Response Force, Indian Army, and Border Security Force deploying helicopters, boats, and drones to reach stranded families. Over 11,000 people have been evacuated to safety, while temporary relief camps have been set up to provide food, shelter, and medical aid.

Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has pledged full compensation for those affected and assured farmers that the government will support them through damage assessments and financial assistance. Officials have already begun special girdawari surveys to evaluate agricultural losses.

Challenges Ahead

Although rainfall has slightly eased in upstream areas, forecasts warn of further downpours and possible dam releases, raising concerns that flooding may continue in low-lying regions. Stagnant water has also created a breeding ground for disease, with sanitation and clean drinking water emerging as urgent needs.

Infrastructure damage is adding to the crisis. Roads, bridges, and even border fencing near the Indo-Pak frontier have been severely hit, hampering rescue operations and posing long-term security challenges.

Looking Forward

As waters begin to recede, Punjab faces a daunting road to recovery. The state’s agricultural backbone is under immense strain, and experts warn that food security and rural livelihoods could suffer if relief and rehabilitation are delayed.

Farmer groups and civil society organizations are urging the federal government to release emergency relief funds, waive loans, and invest in stronger flood protection systems. Long-term planning, they say, is the only way to protect Punjab from future climate-driven disasters.