Punjab’s Worst Floods in Nearly Four Decades Claim 29 Lives, Over 2.5 Lakh Affected

Punjab is reeling under the impact of its worst floods since 1988, with official reports confirming the death of 29 people and three still missing. As per data compiled by the state government from August 1 to September 1, continuous heavy rainfall in the hilly regions of Himachal Pradesh and Jammu & Kashmir triggered severe flooding in Punjab's rivers and rivulets—most notably the Ravi, Beas, and Sutlej—affecting 2.56 lakh people across 12 districts.

District-Wise Toll: Gurdaspur, Pathankot Worst Hit

Among the worst-hit areas, Gurdaspur district emerged as the epicenter, with over 1.45 lakh people impacted across 321 villages. Pathankot also suffered extensively, with six people killed due to the swelling Ravi river and three still missing following last week’s flash floods.

Fatalities were reported across several districts:

• Pathankot: 6 deaths
• Amritsar, Hoshiarpur, Ludhiana, Mansa, Rupnagar, Barnala: 3 deaths each
• Bathinda, Gurdaspur, Patiala, Mohali, Sangrur: 1 death each

According to officials, the fatalities were caused by incidents including electrocution, drowning, and house collapses.

Vast Agricultural Losses During Peak Paddy Season

The floods have struck during Punjab’s crucial paddy-growing season, causing devastating losses to farmers. Approximately 2.32 lakh acres of agricultural land—equivalent to 94,061 hectares—have been submerged under floodwaters.

The worst-affected districts in terms of crop damage include:

• Amritsar: 56,834 acres
• Mansa: 42,020 acres
• Kapurthala: 36,902 acres
• Tarn Taran: 29,363 acres
• Ferozepur: 27,754 acres
• Hoshiarpur: 14,754 acres
• Pathankot: 6,034 acres

The extent of damage in Gurdaspur is yet to be fully assessed, as floodwaters have delayed preliminary surveys.

Villages and Population Severely Affected

The impact of the flooding is widespread. Apart from Gurdaspur, other severely affected districts include:

• Amritsar: 88 villages, 35,000 people
• Ferozepur: 76 villages, 24,015 people
• Fazilka: 72 villages, 21,562 people
• Pathankot: 82 villages, 15,053 people
• Kapurthala: 115 villages, 5,650 people
• Hoshiarpur: 94 villages, 1,152 people

In total, 1,044 villages have been affected by floodwaters across the state.

Relief and Rescue Operations in Full Swing

The state government has launched extensive rescue and relief operations, evacuating over 15,688 people from flood-affected areas. 7,144 displaced residents are currently being sheltered in 129 relief camps established across the state.

Support has come from multiple agencies:

• State Disaster Response Force (SDRF)
• 20 teams of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF)
• 10 columns of the Indian Army
• 35 helicopters deployed for airlifting stranded people and supplying aid

According to the Office of Director, Land Records, Jalandhar, which operates as the nodal flood control agency, daily updates are being sent to the Financial Commissioner for Revenue. These include real-time data on evacuations, agricultural damage, livestock loss, and missing persons.

Assessment of Total Losses Still Ongoing

While immediate relief efforts are underway, the complete financial toll—especially concerning livestock, infrastructure damage, and public property—can only be assessed after the floodwaters recede.

A senior government official noted, “The data includes all reported deaths from flood-related incidents such as drowning, electrocution, and house collapses. However, the overall damage to infrastructure and agriculture may be significantly higher once comprehensive surveys are completed.”

Disclaimer:

The information provided in this article is based on data available up to September 2025 and official reports from the Punjab government. The situation regarding floods can change rapidly. Readers are advised to refer to local authorities and emergency services for the most current information and safety guidelines. This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional advice.

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