Chandigarh (National Times): Punjab continues to grapple with adverse weather conditions as rainfall persists in parts of the state, triggering both a yellow alert and worsening flood situations in several low-lying districts. The India Meteorological Department has flagged seven districts for potential moderate rainfall, while significant volumes of water released from Harike Headworks have added to the flood crisis across eight districts.
Rain Forecast for Seven Districts
The IMD has issued a yellow alert for Pathankot, Gurdaspur, Amritsar, Hoshiarpur, Nawanshahr (SBS Nagar), Rupnagar, and Mohali. These areas could witness intermittent showers today, adding to already saturated soil and increasing the risk of waterlogging and overflow in vulnerable regions.
Despite the rainfall being moderate, authorities remain on edge as several districts are still recovering from previous downpours and overflowing rivers.
Harike Releases Over 1.24 Lakh Cusecs, Floods Spread
At Harike Headworks, the water level was recorded at 688 feet. Of the 1.46 lakh cusecs of water received, 1.24 lakh cusecs were discharged downstream. This massive release has led to a worsening flood scenario in Tarn Taran, Fazilka, and parts of Amritsar, Kapurthala, Hoshiarpur, and Moga. Vast agricultural lands are submerged, and several roads remain cut off.
Breakdown of water diversion at Harike:
- 8,037 cusecs into Ferozepur feeder
- 13,795 cusecs into Rajasthan feeder
- 187 cusecs into the Makhu canal
Officials report that the increased discharge was necessary to manage water levels at key dams and prevent overtopping.
Dams Still Under Close Watch
Water levels at major reservoirs remain high:
- Pong Dam: 1382.75 feet, with 38,395 cusecs inflow and 74,427 cusecs discharge
- Bhakra Dam: 1666.96 feet, with 54,870 cusecs inflow and 43,342 cusecs release
While no critical breaches have been reported, dam authorities remain on alert and are coordinating with local administrations to monitor flow levels and issue timely warnings.
Slight Dip in Temperature Offers Little Relief
Rainfall over the past 24 hours has contributed to a marginal temperature drop across the state — about 1.6°C — but this has brought little comfort to flood-hit areas.
Rainfall recorded:
- Ludhiana: 10.4 mm
- Pathankot: 3.5 mm
- Hoshiarpur: 1 mm
- Amritsar: 0.6 mm
- Rupnagar: 0.5 mm
Humidity remains high, and saturated ground conditions have slowed drainage in urban and rural areas alike.
Yellow Alert to Continue for 72 Hours
The state will remain under weather watch for the next three days. According to the forecast:
- August 25: Rain alert continues in Pathankot, Gurdaspur, Hoshiarpur, and Rupnagar
- August 26: Similar weather expected in the same districts
- From August 27, the monsoon is likely to weaken, offering some respite
Relief Work Ongoing
District administrations, along with disaster response teams, are engaged in relief operations in flood-affected areas. Authorities have urged residents in vulnerable zones to remain cautious and avoid unnecessary movement near rivers and canals.
Emergency helplines are active, and arrangements have been made for temporary shelters in inundated areas. Crop loss and infrastructure damage are currently being assessed, with compensation announcements expected in the coming days.