Chandigarh, Aug 31 — The flood situation in Punjab worsened on Sunday with incessant rain lashing several districts and major rivers, including the Beas, Ghaggar and Ravi, flowing in spate. At least 26 people have lost their lives so far, while more than 1,000 villages remain inundated.
Officials said the Ravi, which saw a massive discharge of 14.11 lakh cusecs four days ago, has diverted much of its water towards Ajnala in Amritsar, submerging parts of the town and 15 nearby villages. “Most of my constituency has been devastated. The Centre should come to the aid of Punjab immediately,” said Ajnala MLA Kuldeep Dhaliwal.
The Beas also swelled again on Sunday morning after heavy rain and excess water release from Chakki, with the flow at Dhilwan (near flood-hit Sultanpur Lodhi) recorded at 2.35 lakh cusecs.
Meanwhile, the Ghaggar rose after inflows from the Markanda and Tangri rivers, though water levels at Chika (Haryana), Khanauri (Sangrur) and Sardulgarh (Mansa) were reported to be below the danger mark. The administration has sounded an alert in low-lying areas.
Floodwaters have also entered several villages in Hoshiarpur. Relief and rescue operations are under way across eight worst-hit districts — Gurdaspur, Pathankot, Amritsar, Tarn Taran, Ferozepur, Fazilka, Hoshiarpur and Kapurthala. Along with the civil administration and police, the Army, Air Force, BSF and National Disaster Response Force are engaged in evacuation and relief work.
