NEW DELHI: Punjab Revenue, Rehabilitation and Disaster Management Minister S. Hardeep Singh Mundian on Monday said that Punjab is witnessing one of the most widespread floods in recent decades, impacting 23 districts, claiming 30 lives, and affecting more than 3.54 lakh people.
He assured that the Punjab Government under Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann is making every possible effort for relief, evacuation, and rehabilitation.
Mass Evacuations and Relief Camps
A total of 19,597 people have been safely evacuated, with major operations in Gurdaspur (5,581), Ferozepur (3,432), Amritsar (2,734), Fazilka (2,422), Hoshiarpur (1,615), Kapurthala (1,428), and Pathankot (1,139). Smaller evacuations were reported in Barnala, Jalandhar, Rupnagar, Mansa, Moga, and Tarn Taran.
As many as 174 relief camps have been set up across the state, sheltering 5,167 people. The largest camps are in Hoshiarpur (1,041), Fazilka (1,304), Ferozepur (706), and Gurdaspur (424). Camps are also active in Amritsar, Barnala, Jalandhar, Mansa, Moga, Sangrur, Kapurthala, Pathankot, and Rupnagar.
Scale of Damage
Floodwaters have inundated 1,400 villages, with Gurdaspur (324 villages), Amritsar (135), Hoshiarpur (119), Kapurthala (115), and Mansa (108) being the worst hit. Other severely impacted districts include Ferozepur, Pathankot, Fazilka, Jalandhar, and Tarn Taran.
In total, 3,54,626 people have been affected across 13 districts. Gurdaspur tops the list with 1.45 lakh affected, followed by Amritsar (1.17 lakh), Ferozepur (38,112), and Fazilka (21,562).
Crops and Livelihoods Destroyed
The floods have devastated 1,48,590 hectares of standing crops, causing massive agricultural losses. The worst-affected areas include Gurdaspur (40,193 hectares), Mansa (27,291), Amritsar (23,000), Kapurthala (14,934), and Ferozepur (14,665). Tarn Taran, Hoshiarpur, Jalandhar, Pathankot, and SAS Nagar also reported widespread crop damage.
Massive Rescue Operations
Currently, 23 NDRF teams are deployed across the state, with the highest concentration in Gurdaspur and Amritsar. The Army, Air Force, and Navy have pressed 12 columns and 35 helicopters into service, along with two engineer columns. The BSF is providing ground support in border districts. Over 114 boats and one state helicopter are assisting in evacuations and supply runs.
From August 1 to September 2, 30 human lives have been lost across 12 districts, with Pathankot reporting the highest toll of six deaths. Three people remain missing. Preliminary assessments indicate severe damage to livestock and infrastructure, with final estimates to be made once waters recede.
Minister Mundian reiterated the government’s commitment to safeguard lives and provide immediate as well as long-term rehabilitation, with a special focus on farmers and rural communities hit hardest by the floods.
