The North News
Chandigarh, September 3
Punjab Revenue, Rehabilitation and Disaster Management Minister Hardeep Singh Mundian has said the state is grappling with one of its worst floods in recent decades, with more than 1.75 lakh hectares of farmland devastated and 23 districts affected. Mundian said districts including Gurdaspur, Amritsar, Mansa, Ferozepur and Fazilka have borne the brunt of the damage. “The scale of losses to crops, villages and the population underlines the severity of this calamity,” he said. At least 37 lives have been lost across 12 districts, with the highest fatalities reported in Hoshiarpur, Pathankot and Barnala. Three people remain missing in Pathankot.
More than 20,000 people have been evacuated from low-lying areas, with the largest operations carried out in Gurdaspur, Ferozepur and Amritsar. A total of 167 relief camps have been set up, sheltering over 5,300 displaced persons.
The floods have inundated 1,655 villages, affecting 3.55 lakh people. Amritsar, Gurdaspur and Ferozepur are among the worst-hit. Crop losses are estimated at over 1.75 lakh hectares, with Gurdaspur alone suffering damage to more than 40,000 hectares. Rescue efforts involve 22 NDRF teams, with support from the Army, Air Force, Navy and BSF. Around 35 helicopters and 117 boats are also engaged in evacuations and supply operations.
Mundian said the Bhagwant Mann-led government has released ₹71 crore in relief funds, including an additional ₹35.5 crore for 12 badly affected districts. Funds have been allocated to Amritsar, Gurdaspur, Ferozepur, Fazilka, Jalandhar and others.
“The state is fully committed to compensating the losses suffered by people and ensuring timely relief and rehabilitation,” Mundian said, adding that special focus would be given to farmers whose crops have been destroyed.
