Punjab & Himachal Devastated: Relentless Rains Trigger Massive Floods & Landslides

Relentless rains have left Punjab and Himachal Pradesh reeling, now officially declared disaster-hit states after devastating floods, landslides, and widespread infrastructure collapse. Punjab’s 23 districts experienced unprecedented flooding, affecting over 400,000 people, claiming 46 lives, and submerging 175,000 hectares of farmland. Economic losses have exceeded ₹14,000 crore. The Ravi, Beas, and Sutlej rivers, swollen by heavy monsoons and upstream dam releases, worsened the crisis despite existing embankments. In Himachal Pradesh, 943 mm of rainfall—46% above normal—triggered 45 cloudbursts, 95 flash floods, and 135 landslides. The disaster claimed 366 lives and caused damages worth ₹4,100 crore. The state’s steep terrain isolated villages and crippled transportation networks. Declaring a state as disaster-hit enables the mobilization of emergency funds, central government aid, NDRF and armed forces deployment, and accelerates relief efforts. But what does this status really mean? It’s a crucial measure when a calamity overwhelms state resources—fast-tracking rescue, relief, and rehabilitation. Prime Minister Modi visited both states to ensure a coordinated recovery effort. This video dives into the causes, impacts, and ongoing responses to this crisis—highlighting the resilience of affected communities. 

Stay tuned for updates on relief efforts and recovery.