Punjab declares all 23 districts flood-hit after 30 deaths, 3.5 lakh affected

Punjab has been declared a disaster-affected state due to severe flooding that has impacted all 23 districts, resulting in 30 deaths and affecting over 3.5 lakh people across 1,400 villages. The floods have submerged approximately 3.75 lakh acres of farmland, causing significant crop damage and livestock losses just weeks before harvest. Authorities have evacuated nearly 20,000 residents and deployed extensive rescue operations involving 23 NDRF teams, the Indian Army, Air Force, Navy, and BSF, utilizing helicopters and boats for relief efforts. Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and Governor Gulab Chand Kataria have toured the worst-hit areas, urging the central government to increase compensation and release pending funds totaling ₹60,000 crore to support recovery. Farmers along the Beas and Ravi rivers have offered to sell land for permanent embankments to prevent future flood damage, a proposal supported by the Governor for long-term solutions. Emergency services and departments have been instructed to prioritize repairs and maintain connectivity, while educational institutions remain closed until September 7 to ensure safety.