National Times Bureau :- Punjab is expected to witness heavy rainfall as the Meteorological Department has issued an orange alert for nine districts and a yellow alert for the remaining regions. Recent rains in Himachal Pradesh and Jammu & Kashmir have already impacted the state, prompting authorities to take precautionary measures.
The rising water levels at Ranjit Sagar Dam and Bhakra Dam have led to the controlled release of water. Due to water discharged from Ranjit Sagar, the Ravi River’s level has risen significantly, particularly affecting the Pathankot region. Connectivity to seven villages in Gurdaspur’s Makoora Patan area has been cut off. Schools in Pathankot, Gurdaspur, and Amritsar’s Ajnala and Raya blocks remain closed today, while around 20 flood-affected villages in Fazilka have seen indefinite school closures.
Similarly, water released from Bhakra Dam has raised the Sutlej River’s level, impacting Tarn Taran, Ferozepur, and Fazilka areas, though overall levels remain manageable. Residents in flood-hit regions report being stranded since August 11, relying on boats for travel and facing difficulties in accessing food supplies and essential items.
The orange alert has been issued for Pathankot, Gurdaspur, Amritsar, Tarn Taran, Kapurthala, Jalandhar, Hoshiarpur, Rupnagar, Fatehgarh Sahib, and Patiala, while a yellow alert covers the rest of Punjab. Meteorologists forecast above-normal rainfall across the state.
Meanwhile, after a brief lull expected on Wednesday, a new western disturbance is likely to become active from August 29, bringing further showers to Pathankot, Gurdaspur, Hoshiarpur, and Rupnagar.
Rainfall recorded until 5 PM on Monday included 20.6 mm in Amritsar, 7.2 mm in Ludhiana, 37 mm in Pathankot, 55.5 mm in Ferozepur, 20 mm in Hoshiarpur, 5.5 mm in Rupnagar, and 10.5 mm in Mohali.
Despite the rains, temperatures have shown a slight increase of 1.2°C, though they remain 2.4°C below normal. Maximum temperatures recorded were: Amritsar – 30.5°C, Ludhiana – 25°C, Patiala – 30°C, Pathankot – 24°C, and Bathinda – 28.5°C.
