Special Report: 1988 record shattered, Punjab on the brink of devastation: Read full report
Mehak Arora
Chandigarh, August 29, 2025: Punjab, known as the food bowl of India, is today battling one of the most catastrophic floods in its history. This is not just a flood—it is nature’s fury at its peak, eclipsing even the devastation of 1988. The swollen Sutlej, Beas, and Ravi rivers have unleashed a deluge not seen in decades, drowning lush fields and trapping entire villages in uncertainty. Everywhere, there is water, despair, and the helplessness of watching hard-earned livelihoods sink beneath the waves.
But the disaster is not limited to overflowing rivers. Relentless downpours have intensified the crisis. While rescue teams work around the clock to save lives, the weather department’s warning of more heavy rainfall has dampened hopes of quick relief. Punjab is facing its toughest test of resilience, and the question haunting every resident is: When will this nightmare end?
The Scale of Devastation:
- 7 districts hit: Gurdaspur, Pathankot, Hoshiarpur, Kapurthala, Amritsar, Tarn Taran, and Ferozepur worst affected.
- 500+ villages submerged: Thousands await rescue and relief.
- 3 lakh acres of crops destroyed: Vast paddy fields lost, pushing farmers into a livelihood crisis.
- 300 schools flooded: Education disrupted across the state.
Ravi Breaks 37-Year Record:
- August 26, 2025: Water discharge in Ravi river recorded at 14.11 lakh cusecs.
- 1988 flood record: Highest then was 11.20 lakh cusecs.
- Elderly residents say this year’s flood is far more destructive than anything they witnessed in 1988.
As Punjab reels under this calamity, the Meteorological Department has forecast heavy rainfall on August 30 and 31. The prospect of rising rivers combined with fresh downpours threatens to multiply the devastation.
The government, along with NDRF, SDRF, and the Army, is carrying out massive rescue and relief operations. Yet, with every passing hour, the challenge for Punjab’s people grows harder. This is not just a flood—it is the ultimate test of Punjab’s courage and spirit.