Punjab Flood Crisis

Context:

Heavy monsoon rains in August 2025 caused widespread flooding in Punjab, affecting over 4 lakh people across 2,200 villages, destroying crops, homes, and livelihoods.

Cause & Extent:

Excess rainfall: Punjab received 7 mm in August 2025, 74% above normal (IMD data).
Rivers in spate:Sutlej, Ravi, Beas overflowed, inundating low-lying areas, farmland, and villages across 18 of 23 districts.
Immediate human impact:55 deaths, thousands displaced, 111 relief camps set up sheltering 4,600 people initially, with continued displacement in Fazilka and Gurdaspur.

Agricultural Losses:

Paddy and Basmati crops submerged on ~1.91 lakh hectares.
Winter wheat sowing expected to be delayed, reducing yield.
Increased harvesting costs due to use of machinery suitable for moist land.

Relief & Rehabilitation Measures:

Government response: 12,539 ration kits, 6,190 bags of cattle feed, fodder distribution, and temporary shelter in schools.
Financial assistance: ?1,600 crore package announced by PM, while state parties highlighted the gap between actual losses (~?20,000 crore) and relief provided.
Vulnerable populations: Daily wage laborers and landless farmers severely affected due to income and housing loss.

Policy & Administrative Significance:

Demonstrates importance of State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) and coordination with central disaster funds.
Highlights disaster preparedness, early warning systems, and riverine flood management.
Draws attention to land tenure issues, as many displaced families lack formal land ownership, affecting relief eligibility.

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