Chandigarh (Gurpreet Singh): Punjab remains on edge as heavy rainfall continues to lash several parts of the state, prompting the Meteorological Department to issue a red alert for the first week of September. Forecasts indicate that downpours will intensify between September 2 and 7, with Jalandhar, Patiala, Sangrur, Mohali, Chandigarh, Gurdaspur and Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nagar expected to be hit the hardest.
Authorities have warned people to stay away from riverbanks and low-lying areas as water levels are rising rapidly. The impact of severe rains in neighboring Himachal Pradesh is also likely to spill into Punjab, further worsening the situation.
So far, 36 lives have been lost due to flood-related incidents in Majha and Doaba. Hoshiarpur reported the highest number of deaths, while several others were caused by roof collapses and drowning in submerged areas.
Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann expressed condolences to the grieving families and announced a compensation package of Rs 4 lakh each. He emphasized that the government is mobilizing all possible resources for rescue and relief work.
With the red alert in force, disaster management teams have been deployed across vulnerable districts, and officials have appealed to citizens to remain cautious in the coming days.
