Saturday, March 29, 2025
Punjab floods wreak havoc: 29 dead, over 1,000 villages submerged; PM Modi speaks to CM Mann
Chandigarh: Punjab has been devastated by continuous heavy rainfall and severe flooding over the past few days. According to officials, the disaster has so far claimed 29 lives and affected more than 1,000 villages across 10 districts. Nearly 250,000 people have been impacted, with widespread damage to standing crops and livestock. Farmers have suffered extensive losses as floodwaters inundated farmlands and swept away cattle.
PM Modi, CM Mann discuss flood situation
On Monday, after returning from his visit to China, Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a telephonic conversation with Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann to review the state’s flood situation. CM Mann also visited flood-hit areas in Hoshiarpur district to assess ground conditions. He assured residents that the AAP government would provide full compensation to those who have suffered losses due to the disaster.
Centre’s support and Priyanka Gandhi’s appeal
Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan is expected to visit Punjab soon to assess crop damage in the flood-affected regions. He has already held detailed discussions with officials regarding the scale of destruction and its impact on agriculture. Meanwhile, Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra urged both the Centre and Punjab government to ensure immediate relief and compensation for flood victims. She also appealed to Congress workers to actively support affected families.
Relief and rescue operations underway
Cabinet Minister Hardeep Singh Mundian stated that under CM Mann’s leadership, the Punjab government is working round the clock to deliver relief. So far, 15,688 people have been safely evacuated from vulnerable areas, with the largest numbers rescued from Gurdaspur, Ferozepur, Fazilka, and Amritsar districts. The state has set up 129 relief camps, currently sheltering 7,144 displaced residents. These camps are equipped with food supplies, medical assistance, and other essential facilities.
Most affected districts and record rainfall
Floodwaters have hit 1,044 villages across 12 districts of Punjab. Gurdaspur remains the worst affected, with nearly 145,000 people impacted. Amritsar, Ferozepur, and Fazilka are among the other severely affected districts. Officials revealed that Punjab received 74% more rainfall in August than the seasonal average—the highest in 25 years. As a precautionary measure, the state government has extended school holidays until September 3.
