The Punjab government has declared all 23 districts flood-hit on Tuesday. So far, more than 1,200 villages have submerged, 30 people have been killed and over 3,50,000 people have been affected by the floods. Responding to the crisis, Chief Secretary K.A.P. Sinha has authorised district magistrates to issue necessary orders under Section 34 of the Disaster Management Act, 2025, in the event of a threatening disaster situation.
According to the chief secretary’s order, district disaster management authorities are required to take prompt and adequate measures to provide relief to the affected population. The order specified, “All line departments of the state will strictly adhere to their designated emergency support functions and take necessary actions to ensure timely and effective emergency response.”
CM and governor visit affected areas
Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann and Governor Gulab Chand Kataria on Wednesday visited the flood affected areas separately. Mann went to areas of Ferozepur on a boat and Kataria visited Ferozepur and the severely affected areas of Tarn Taran.
Mann has also raised concerns over the low compensation given in lieu for the losses suffered due to natural disaster. He mentioned that the release of Punjab’s Rs 60,000 crore “pending” funds from the Centre. Mann further said that he is demanding the state’s “rights” and not “begging” for it in the wake of floods in the region.
Similarly, Governor Gulab Chand Kataria demanded permanent ownership rights of land for local farmers. The ownership rights will enable them to get crop loss compensation and benefits of government schemes. He said, “The matter will be brought to the attention of the CM and efforts will be made to resolve it permanently.”
Cabinet Minister Hardeep Singh Mundian said the flood has spread to all 23 districts, up from earlier 12, and added that 1,400 villages have been declared as affected, impacting 3,54,626 people so far. Nearly 20,000 people have so far been evacuated from the flood-hit areas.
The minister also highlighted that 1,48,590 hectares of standing crops have been damaged. The worst-hit areas include Gurdaspur, Mansa, Amritsar, Kapurthala, Ferozepur, Tarn Taran and Hoshiarpur.
Rescue and relief work
Mundian also told that 23 NDRF teams, along with 12 columns from the Army, Air Force, and Navy, are working in the flood-affected districts. They are supported by two engineer columns and 35 helicopters. The BSF is also providing ground support in border regions. Additionally, 114 boats and one state helicopter are being used for evacuations and delivering relief supplies.
Meanwhile, Health Minister Balbir Singh confirmed that 818 medical teams have been deployed in the flood-hit areas of Punjab, with the goal of ensuring “that no person is left without medical care.”
Shah Rukh Khan reacts
Many celebrities have taken to social media to talk about the floods in Punjab. Actor Shah Rukh Khan also shared a heartfelt message on X for the affected. He wrote, “My heart goes out to those in Punjab impacted by these devastating floods. Sending prayers and strength…The spirit of Punjab shall never break…may God bless them all.”