CHANDIGARH, September 3— The tricity region of Chandigarh, Mohali and Panchkula remained on edge Wednesday as moderate to heavy rainfall continued for the fifth straight day, prompting the India Meteorological Department (IMD) to issue fresh alerts for the next three days.
Officials warned of widespread heavy to very heavy downpour until September 3, followed by isolated heavy spells in southern Haryana on September 4 and 5. “A spell of widespread rainfall activity with heavy to very heavy rainfall at few places is very likely over Chandigarh, Punjab and Haryana during the next 24–36 hours,” the IMD said.
Taking note of rising water levels, District Magistrate Nishant Kumar Yadav invoked Section 163 of the Bhartiya Nagrik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023, banning entry of people, pets and cattle into water bodies such as Sukhna Choe, Patiala Ki Rao and other seasonal rivulets until October 31. The Ghaggar river remains in spate, posing a danger to lives and property along its catchment. Violations of the order will invite action under Section 223 of the Bhartiya Nyay Sanhita, 2023.
The Chandigarh Administration extended the closure of schools on Wednesday, while in Mohali all schools, colleges, universities and polytechnics/ITIs will remain shut until Thursday.
Incessant rainfall since Thursday night has washed away bridges and cut off roads across the tricity. Floodwaters have entered homes and shops, damaging property. Trees and poles have collapsed in several localities, leading to vehicle damage and disruption of power and water supply.
In Mohali district, the Punjab government confirmed crop loss across 2,000 hectares and said one person had died while 7,000 others were affected due to blocked access roads.
Chandigarh and Panchkula recorded 43 mm of rainfall each over the past 24 hours, while Mohali logged 45 mm. Despite the showers, day temperatures rose by 2.8 degrees Celsius, while night temperatures dipped 1.4 degrees. Panchkula registered the lowest minimum at 22.4°C, while relative humidity in Chandigarh stayed at 96%.
Authorities said restoration work is under way, but urged residents to avoid non-essential travel and keep away from rivers and choes swollen by the relentless rain.
