Punjab's Flood Crisis Deepens: Dozens of Villages Submerged in Fazilka and Ferozepur

A severe flood crisis has gripped Punjab, leaving a trail of devastation across Fazilka and Ferozepur districts. At least 52 villages have been completely inundated, their landscapes transformed into vast stretches of water, as authorities grapple with the immense challenge posed by the overflowing Sutlej and Beas rivers.

The root cause of this widespread inundation lies in the significant discharge of excess water from the Harike and Hussainiwala headworks.

With upstream water levels rising dramatically, the decision to release these massive volumes of water has led to the rivers breaching their banks, swallowing up communities and agricultural lands in their relentless surge.

Residents of these affected villages are facing immense hardship. Homes have been submerged, forcing thousands to evacuate, often with little more than the clothes on their backs.

The agricultural heartland of these districts has been severely hit, with vast swathes of standing crops, including paddy, cotton, and fodder, completely destroyed. Farmers, already struggling, now confront the grim reality of lost livelihoods and uncertain futures.

District administrations in both Fazilka and Ferozepur are working round-the-clock, orchestrating extensive rescue and relief operations.

Teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) are actively engaged in evacuating stranded villagers using boats, battling treacherous currents to reach those in urgent need. Relief camps have been established to provide temporary shelter, food, and medical aid to the displaced families.

The humanitarian challenge is immense.

Beyond immediate rescue, the focus is now shifting to providing sustained support, ensuring access to clean drinking water, sanitation, and preventing the outbreak of waterborne diseases. Power supply has been disrupted in many areas, compounding the difficulties faced by the affected population.

As Punjab confronts this natural calamity, the resilience of its people is being tested.

While the immediate priority remains saving lives and providing succour, the long road to recovery and rebuilding promises to be arduous, necessitating concerted efforts from all levels of government and community support.