• Source:JND
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Punjab Floods: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a Red Nowcast Warning for heavy rainfall exceeding 15 mm per hour, accompanied by thunderstorms, across several parts of Punjab.

The districts currently under this red alert include Gurdaspur, Hoshiarpur, Kapurthala, Jalandhar, Nawanshahr, and Patiala. The warning remains in effect until 8:30 AM on Monday.

An Orange nowcast warning has also been issued for nearby areas, indicating moderate rainfall (5-15 mm/hr) with thunderstorm activity.

In a post on X, IMD shared, "Red Nowcast Warning: Heavy spells (>15 mm/hr) accompanied by thunderstorms. Orange Nowcast warning: Moderate spells (5-15 mm/hr) accompanied by thunderstorms."

"Districts under red snowcast warnings (valid up to 0830 hrs IST of today) are Gurdaspur, Hoshiarpur, Kapurthala, Jalandhar, Nawanshahr, and Patiala," the post read.

Flood Situation Worsens In Punjab

The situation remains dire in eight flood-affected districts of Punjab. Over 1,300 villages are currently inundated, with many residents forced to take shelter on rooftops or evacuate to safer areas. An estimated two lakh acres of crops have been submerged, according to Jagran.com.

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The devastation is attributed not only to heavy rainfall in Himachal Pradesh and Jammu, but also to persistent rains across Punjab throughout August. Notably, this is the first red alert issued in the state this year. Several districts also experienced rainfall on Sunday.

Schools, Colleges Closed Until September 3

In response to the worsening weather, the Punjab Government has announced the closure of all schools, colleges, universities, and polytechnic institutes across the state until September 3, 2025.

Punjab Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains posted on X, “Due to continuous heavy rainfall across Punjab since last night, all colleges, universities, and polytechnic institutes will remain closed till 3rd September 2025 with immediate effect. The responsibility for the well-being of students residing in hostels lies with the respective administrations. Everyone is requested to strictly follow the guidelines issued by local authorities.”

Additionally, the Punjab School Education Board (PSEB) has postponed practical exams for Classes 10 and 12, originally scheduled to begin Monday. New dates will be announced later.

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Meanwhile, Chitti Bein in Jalandhar Cantt has overflowed, impacting four nearby villages.

Relief Operations Underway

Relief and evacuation efforts are in full swing. Approximately 25 army trucks carrying boats have reached Ajnala (Amritsar) to assist flood-affected residents. Auto-rickshaws provided by a private company are also being used in evacuation efforts.

Personnel from the Indian Army, Air Force, BSF, NDRF, and SDRF are working round-the-clock to aid those impacted.

Train Services Disrupted In Punjab

Heavy rainfall has severely affected train services. On Sunday, 53 trains to and from Jammu were cancelled due to damage to a railway bridge near Madhopur.

The Pathankot–Jalandhar National Highway remains closed for the eighth consecutive day, as the Chakki Bridge in Pathankot has yet to be repaired.

Chief Secretary KAP Sinha visited flood-affected areas in Pathankot, Amritsar, and Kapurthala on Sunday to review the situation.