UPDATE: Severe floods are wreaking havoc in Punjab and Maharashtra as relentless monsoon rains continue to fall. The situation has escalated rapidly, with authorities issuing urgent flood alerts for multiple districts as water levels rise dangerously.
In Punjab, heavy rainfall combined with the controlled release of 57,000 cusecs of water from the Pong dam has devastated approximately 40-45 villages around Shahkot in Jalandhar district and Sultanpur Lodhi in Kapurthala. The Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) has coordinated releases to manage the unprecedented inflows resulting from heavy rainfall in the catchment areas of Himachal Pradesh and Punjab.
Floodwaters have inundated low-lying areas, with reports of up to 6 feet of water in agricultural fields. Thousands of hectares of crops have been submerged, causing significant distress to farmers. Relief camps are being established to provide shelter and essential supplies to displaced residents.
As of now, health and civil administration teams in Punjab are on high alert, deploying ambulances and medical teams to assist those affected. The public is urged to seek immediate medical attention for symptoms such as fever or diarrhea.
Meanwhile, in Maharashtra, particularly in Mumbai and surrounding districts, the monsoon has triggered unprecedented flooding. The city has recorded its rainiest August in five years, with areas experiencing over 300 mm of rain in just 24 hours. This has led to the evacuation of over 4,000 people in just two days, with the Raigad district being the hardest hit.
Train services have been suspended across key routes due to waterlogging, and numerous schools and offices are closed. Major infrastructure damage has been reported, including submerged roads and highways, severely disrupting daily life.
Weather experts are warning that this extreme weather is due to a rare convergence of five weather systems, which is expected to continue bringing heavy rainfall into late August. Authorities have issued orange and red weather alerts for the region.
The ongoing situation in both states requires immediate attention and support from emergency services. Residents are encouraged to stay updated on weather forecasts and adhere to safety recommendations from local authorities.
As the situation develops, it is critical for residents in affected areas to remain vigilant and prepared for further rainfall and potential flooding. Stay tuned for more updates as we monitor this urgent situation closely.
