NEW DELHI: Punjab Revenue, Rehabilitation and Disaster Management Minister S. Hardeep Singh Mundian on Monday said that the state is grappling with one of the worst flood crises in recent years, with more than 2.56 lakh people affected and 29 lives lost across 12 districts.
He assured that the government is working round-the-clock to ensure immediate relief and long-term rehabilitation for the affected families.
According to official figures, 15,688 persons have been evacuated, with the largest operations in Gurdaspur (5,549), Ferozepur (3,321), Fazilka (2,049), Pathankot (1,139), Amritsar (1,700) and Hoshiarpur (1,052). Smaller evacuations were reported from Barnala, Kapurthala, Tarn Taran, Moga and Mansa.
Relief efforts have been intensified, with 129 relief camps set up across Punjab. Currently, 7,144 people are sheltered in these facilities, the highest being in Ferozepur (3,987), Fazilka (1,201), Hoshiarpur (478), Pathankot (411) and Gurdaspur (424). The government has directed district administrations to ensure adequate food, medical care and essential supplies at all centres.
The floods have impacted 1,044 villages across 12 districts, with Gurdaspur (321), Kapurthala (115), Hoshiarpur (94), Amritsar (88) and Pathankot (82) among the worst hit. In terms of population, Gurdaspur alone accounts for 1.45 lakh of the affected persons, followed by Amritsar (35,000), Ferozepur (24,015), Fazilka (21,562) and Pathankot (15,053).
To support rescue operations, multiple agencies have been deployed. The NDRF has stationed 20 teams, while the Army, Navy and Air Force have deployed 10 columns with 8 more on standby. Around 35 helicopters and 114 boats are assisting in evacuations and supply drops. BSF units are also providing ground support.
The floods have taken a heavy toll on agriculture, with 94,061 hectares of crops damaged. Amritsar (23,000 ha), Mansa (17,005 ha), Kapurthala (14,934 ha), Tarn Taran (11,883 ha) and Ferozepur (11,232 ha) reported the most extensive losses. Livestock and infrastructure damage remain unassessed but are expected to be substantial.
Mundian said 29 lives have been lost so far, including six in Pathankot, three each in Amritsar, Barnala, Hoshiarpur, Ludhiana and Mansa, and others across Patiala, Rupnagar, SAS Nagar, Sangrur and Bathinda. Three people remain missing in Pathankot.
The minister emphasized that the government, under Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann’s leadership, is committed to relief and rehabilitation. He directed all Deputy Commissioners to expedite loss assessments so that timely compensation can be provided.
