Saturday, March 29, 2025
Punjab is facing a severe flood situation as seven districts remain under threat due to rising river levels. The Pong Dam has crossed its danger mark, forcing authorities to release large volumes of water. Recently, around 1.30 lakh cusecs of water was discharged, raising fears of further swelling in the Beas River. Pathankot, Gurdaspur, Kapurthala, Amritsar, and Tarn Taran districts are expected to be the worst hit.
Currently, Sultanpur Lodhi in Kapurthala and several parts of Tarn Taran are already submerged. Continuous water release from Harike Headworks has pushed the flood impact into Fazilka district as well. If the Beas River rises further, many villages in Amritsar could also be inundated.
Harike, the meeting point of the Beas and Sutlej rivers, has recorded a heavy rise in water levels. All gates have been opened to release water downstream in an effort to reduce pressure.
Despite the flooding, Punjab is witnessing below-normal rainfall. On Sunday, only a few districts saw showers, which slightly raised the state’s average temperature by 1.8°C — still within seasonal norms. Bathinda remained the hottest city at 36°C, followed by Ludhiana at 33.2°C, Amritsar at 32.3°C, Patiala at 32.2°C, and Pathankot at 31.6°C. Rainfall figures included 7.5 mm in Pathankot, 5.5 mm in Fazilka, and 0.5 mm in Hoshiarpur.
According to the Meteorological Department, Punjab has recorded 18% less rainfall this August, mirroring July’s shortfall. Typically, the state receives 98.7 mm of rain in August, but so far, only 81% of the expected precipitation has been recorded.
Amritsar: Partly cloudy with rain expected; 24°C–32°C.
Jalandhar: Cloudy skies with possible showers; 24°C–32°C.
Ludhiana: Cloudy with chances of rainfall; 28°C–33°C.
Patiala: Cloudy with light showers likely; 27°C–32°C.
Mohali: Cloudy with possible rain; 26°C–30°C.
