Chandigarh/Mohali: In the wake of one of the most severe flood disasters Punjab has witnessed in decades, the state government has announced the closure of all schools until September 3, 2025.

This includes government, aided, recognised, and private institutions, as directed by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, confirmed Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains.

The flooding, triggered by incessant heavy rainfall, has left 2.56 lakh people displaced and claimed at least 29 lives across the state. Twelve districts including Pathankot, Gurdaspur, Fazilka, Kapurthala, Tarn Taran, Ferozepur, Hoshiarpur and Amritsar are among the worst affected.

Relief efforts underway

Large-scale relief and rescue operations are being carried out by the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), the Army, Border Security Force (BSF), Punjab Police and local authorities. Thousands have been rescued and moved to relief camps, as acres of agricultural land remain submerged and homes destroyed.

The flooding situation has been worsened by rising water levels in Sutlej, Beas and Ravi rivers, along with several seasonal rivulets, following torrential rains in Himachal Pradesh and Jammu & Kashmir, which lie in their upstream catchment areas.

Residents in severely affected areas like Ajnala describe the devastation as historic.

“You can get an idea of the loss by the condition of our houses there. They are all inundated... Punjab has gone back 20-25 years...,” said one local.

Farmers are especially hard-hit.

“Our crops have been underwater for five days. The water has only receded by a foot or two. Everything is destroyed,” shared another resident.

“I remember the 1988 floods. Those were worse, but there was no way to record it then. Now, the damage is evident. We urge the government to fully compensate farmers.”

Political reactions

Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema criticised the Centre for its silence and inaction.

“Punjabis have always been at the forefront in case any calamity or disaster has struck the country. Today, when Punjab has been reeling with floods, the centre has not even said a word about it, let alone coming forward to help... This means the BJP hates Punjab and Punjabis...,” he said.

AAP MP Raj Kumar Chabbewal described the situation as Punjab’s worst flood in 40 years, affecting over 1,000 villages.

“More than 1000 villages have been affected. 11000 people have been sent to safe locations, and around 4500 people have been rescued from their houses.”