37 dead in Punjab floods: 3.55 lakh people impacted; 175,216 hectares of standing crops submerged

PUNJAB: The death toll from Punjab's floods has risen to 37, with seven new fatalities reported on Wednesday, prompting the state govt to declare Punjab a disaster-affected area.An elderly couple, Karnail Singh (65) and his wife Narinder Kaur (60), were among the victims, dying after their house collapsed in Maur Nabha village, Barnala district. Their grandson was injured in the incident.The formal declaration of a disaster-affected state gives district magistrates the authority to invoke powers under the Disaster Management Act, 2025, to accelerate relief efforts.The declaration comes as the state grapples with one of its most severe flood disasters since 1988, affecting over 1,655 villages, up from 1,400 just the day before, across 23 districts.

The total population impacted is now 3.55 lakh, with Gurdaspur and Amritsar being the worst-hit districts.The floods have submerged 175,216 hectares of standing crops, with Gurdaspur alone accounting for over 100,000 acres of damage. While the exact loss of livestock and houses is yet to be assessed, officials say a full survey will be conducted once the floodwaters recede.All district disaster management authorities (DDMAs) have been directed to provide immediate relief, while line departments such as the public works department (PWD), water resources, and the Punjab State Power Corporation Limited (PSPCL) have been ordered to restore essential services on a war footing.

Rescue and relief operations are in full swing. According to the state govt, 19,474 people have been rescued, with Gurdaspur and Ferozepur accounting for the majority. A total of 167 relief camps have been established, providing shelter to 5,304 people. Twentytwo teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), 12 columns of the Indian Army and Air Force, and over 30 helicopters have been deployed to assist in rescue efforts. The Border Security Force (BSF) is also aiding the state government, which has provided 117 boats for the operations.