Flood Havoc in Punjab and Jammu: Rescue operations intensify, schools shut, trains cancelled
Babushahi Bureau
Chandigarh, August 26, 2025 – Heavy rains and flooding have created a severe crisis in Punjab and adjoining hilly states, with rivers overflowing, villages submerged, and major disruptions to transport and daily life.
In Punjab, the water level of the Ranjit Sagar Dam has risen sharply, forcing authorities to open all its gates and release water into the Ravi river. This has worsened flooding in border districts, with villages in Fazilka, Gurdaspur, and Tarn Taran heavily affected. In Fazilka, the holy forms of Guru Granth Sahib were respectfully evacuated from more than a dozen border villages and taken to safer gurdwaras.
Rescue teams of the BSF, NDRF, Police, and Indian Army have been deployed. In villages near Jaimal Singh, water has entered homes, rising up to knee level in some places, and nearly 20–25 villages are cut off. Airlifts are being carried out to rescue stranded families.
The Punjab Government has declared holidays in all government and private schools till Sunday (August 31) due to the worsening flood situation. Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann also announced that nearly 10% of trains have been cancelled, including the New Delhi-Bande Bharat Express, citing passenger safety concerns.
Meanwhile, the Indian Meteorological Department has issued a red alert in five districts – Gurdaspur, Sangrur, Mansa, Barnala, and Muktsar – warning of heavy to very heavy rainfall. Losses worth several crores are feared, with crops, homes, and roads submerged.
In Jammu, flash floods and landslides triggered by continuous rain have wreaked havoc. On the Vaishno Devi Yatra route, a major landslide killed five pilgrims and left 14 others injured. The pilgrimage has been temporarily suspended, and the injured have been admitted to hospitals for treatment. The Tawi river has overflowed, flooding low-lying areas and washing away vehicles.
Punjab Ministers Lal Chand Kataru Chak and Barinder Goyal have reached affected areas to review the ground situation. Relief camps have been set up with food and shelter for displaced families.
Authorities have appealed to people in low-lying areas to remain cautious and follow evacuation advisories strictly.