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Around 1,400 villages have been inundated, with nearly 20,000 people evacuated and over 5,000 taking shelter in relief camps.
The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) has deployed 23 teams, with six each in Gurdaspur and Amritsar and three each in Ferozepur and Fazilka. (PTI)
Punjab has been officially declared a disaster-hit state as devastating floods continue to wreak havoc across 23 districts, leaving 30 people dead and affecting more than 3.54 lakh residents. Around 1,400 villages have been inundated, with nearly 20,000 people evacuated and over 5,000 taking shelter in relief camps.
According to official data, Pathankot has reported the highest toll with six deaths, followed by Ludhiana with four. Three people remain missing in Pathankot. Fatalities have been recorded across multiple districts as heavy rains and overflowing rivers left widespread damage in their wake.
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Widespread Impact Across Districts
Every district in Punjab has been affected, with 23 districts bearing the brunt. Gurdaspur is the worst-hit, with 324 villages submerged, followed by Amritsar (135 villages) and Hoshiarpur (119 villages). Other districts hit include Barnala, Bathinda, Ferozepur, Patiala, SAS Nagar, Sangrur, Tarn Taran, and Fazilka, among others.
Agriculture Losses
Floodwaters have devastated over 1.48 lakh hectares of crops, with nearly 3.75 lakh hectares of farmland submerged. Officials say the agricultural sector is facing unprecedented losses, with fields and homes inundated across large parts of the state.
Relief And Rescue Efforts
Authorities have evacuated 19,597 people so far, with the largest numbers from Gurdaspur (5,581), Ferozepur (3,432), and Amritsar (2,734). A total of 174 relief camps have been set up, of which 74 are currently active, including 29 in Barnala, 16 in Amritsar, and 14 in Pathankot.
Forces On Ground
The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) has deployed 23 teams, with six each in Gurdaspur and Amritsar and three each in Ferozepur and Fazilka. The Army, Navy, and Air Force have mobilised 12 columns, with eight more on standby. Around 30–35 helicopters, 114 boats, and one state helicopter are engaged in rescue missions. The BSF and SDRF have also been deployed, with teams operating in Kapurthala and Gurdaspur.
Next Steps
While the full extent of damage to infrastructure, livestock, and property remains unclear, authorities said a comprehensive assessment will be carried out once floodwaters recede. For now, the focus remains on relief, evacuation, and preventing further loss of life.
About the Author
Covering day-to-day national and international news for the last nine years across print and digital. Associated with News18.com as Chief Sub-Editor since 2022, covering innumerable big and small events, includ…Read More
Covering day-to-day national and international news for the last nine years across print and digital. Associated with News18.com as Chief Sub-Editor since 2022, covering innumerable big and small events, includ… Read More
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