Punjab Floods: Over 1,400 villages and 450,000 people affected; Death toll reaches 37

The flood situation in Punjab is more serious because the water pressure on three major dams has increased. Due to heavy rains and cloudburst in the upper areas of Himachal Pradesh,

Chandigarh: The situation of heavy rains and floods is becoming serious in Punjab. More than 1400 villages in all 23 districts of the state have been hit by floods, affecting about 4.5 lakh people. Due to this, the Punjab government has declared the entire state as disaster-hit. All departments have been instructed to work on a war footing to make relief and rescue operations effective in the affected areas. Employees' leaves have been canceled so that they can speed up the relief work.

Educational Institute Closed

Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains has ordered all government, aided, recognized, private schools, colleges, universities and polytechnic institutions in the state to remain closed till 7 September. Earlier this closure was till 3 September, which has now been extended.

Pakistan floods wreak havoc in Punjab, 17 dead in 24 hours; Lakhs evacuated to safer places

So far 37 people have died, including three people on Wednesday. These include an elderly couple from Barnala and a youth from Ludhiana. About 3.5 lakh acres of agricultural land in the state has been submerged, causing huge losses to farmers.

The flood situation in Punjab is more serious because the water pressure on three major dams has increased. Due to heavy rains and cloudburst in the upper areas of Himachal Pradesh, the water level of Gobind Sagar Lake, built behind the Bhakra Dam, has reached close to the danger mark. 75 thousand cusecs of water is being released from Bhakra every day. At the same time, the water level of Pong Dam is four feet above the danger mark, due to which BBMB has decided to increase the amount of water to one lakh cusecs per day. All seven gates of Ranjit Sagar Dam have to be opened for the first time, which has happened for the first time in the last 37 years.

Punjab Weather: Sutlej floods affect 20 villages in Fazilka; Rescue on war footing

IMD Issued Alert

The Meteorological Department has issued an alert of heavy rain for the next two days, which may worsen the flood situation. The state government has ordered the PWD, Water Resources Department and other concerned agencies to work fast to restore the affected services.

Being declared a disaster-hit has given the district administration the freedom to take decisions at its own level, which will speed up relief work. Along with this, additional financial assistance is also expected from the central government. NDRF and SDRF teams are engaged in relief work on a large scale.

Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chauhan and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal will also visit Punjab. At the same time, Rahul Gandhi has demanded a special relief package from the central government so that flood-affected farmers and others can get help.