Punjab Flood Situation Worsens: 22,854 People Evacuated, Death Toll Rises to 46

National News:Punjab continues to battle devastating floods as the number of affected villages, people, and damaged farmland rises sharply. Revenue, Rehabilitation, and Disaster Management Minister Hardeep Singh Mundian reported that in the last 24 hours alone, 48 more villages, 2,691 people, and 2,131 hectares of farmland have been impacted by floodwaters. With this increase, the total number of affected villages across 22 districts has reached 1,996, with 3,87,013 residents suffering from the widespread destruction caused by continuous heavy rainfall and overflowing rivers.

Jalandhar Worst-Hit in the Last 24 Hours

Providing district-wise updates, Mundian said that Jalandhar recorded the highest increase, with 19 new villages affected, followed by Ludhiana (13), Ferozepur (6), Amritsar (5), Hoshiarpur (4), and Fazilka (1). 

22,854 People Evacuated; Gurdaspur Leads in Rescue Efforts

The Revenue Minister stated that 925 people were rescued within the past 24 hours, bringing the total number of evacuations to 22,854 since the floods began.
The highest rescue operations have been carried out in:

• Gurdaspur – 5,581 people
• Fazilka – 4,202 people
• Ferozepur – 3,888 people
• Amritsar – 3,260 people
• Hoshiarpur – 1,616 people
• Pathankot – 1,139 people
• Kapurthala – 1,428 people

139 Relief Camps Currently Operational Across Punjab

A total of 219 relief camps have been set up since the onset of floods, of which 139 are currently active, sheltering 6,121 displaced citizens.

Key relief camp figures include:

• Fazilka: 14 camps housing 2,588 people
• Barnala: 49 camps housing 527 people
• Hoshiarpur: 4 camps housing 921 people
• Rupnagar: 5 camps housing 250 people
• Moga: 3 camps housing 155 people
• Mansa: 2 camps housing 89 people

Mundian emphasized that government teams and volunteers are working tirelessly to provide food, medical care, and other essential supplies.

Death Toll Climbs to 46, Three People Still Missing

The minister confirmed that three more deaths were reported in Amritsar and Rupnagar districts within the past 24 hours, bringing the total death toll to 46 across 14 districts.
Additionally, three individuals remain missing in Pathankot, with search operations underway.

Farmland Damage Exceeds 1.74 Lakh Hectares

The floods have caused catastrophic agricultural losses, with crop damage now crossing 1.74 lakh hectares across 18 districts.

The worst-affected districts include:

• Gurdaspur – 40,169 hectares
• Fazilka – 18,649 hectares
• Kapurthala – 17,574 hectares
• Ferozepur – 17,257 hectares
• Tarn Taran – 12,828 hectares
• Hoshiarpur – 8,322 hectares
• Sangrur – 6,560 hectares
• SAS Nagar – 2,000 hectares

Mundian expressed deep concern over the loss of standing crops, which threatens the livelihoods of thousands of farmers.

NDRF, SDRF, and Armed Forces Intensify Relief Operations

To strengthen rescue and relief operations, 23 NDRF teams are currently active in districts such as Amritsar, Fazilka, Gurdaspur, Ferozepur, Jalandhar, Hoshiarpur, Patiala, Ludhiana, Pathankot, and Rupnagar. Additionally, 2 SDRF teams are operating in Kapurthala to assist with evacuations and provide relief support.

Indian Army, Air Force, and BSF Provide Crucial Support

Mundian lauded the Indian Army, Air Force, and Border Security Force (BSF) for their swift and selfless service.

• 27 Army columns and 7 Engineer Task Forces are deployed in flood-hit areas.
• Nine helicopters from the Army and Air Force are actively engaged in relief work.
• BSF teams are assisting operations in the Ferozepur sector.
• 158 rescue boats and one state government helicopter are part of the ongoing rescue missions.

Minister Distributes Relief Material to Affected Families

During his visit to Sasrali village in Ludhiana district, Mundian personally distributed essential dry rations and supplies to affected families.
He assured citizens that the Punjab government is committed to continuing rescue, relief, and rehabilitation efforts until normalcy is restored.