Punjab is battling the most catastrophic floods since 1988 as monsoon storms and swollen rivers overpower the landscape. As of September 3, at least 37 lives have been lost, with the deluge impacting over 3.5 million people across numerous districts including Gurdaspur, Pathankot, Fazilka, Kapurthala, Tarn Taran, Ferozepur, Hoshiarpur, and Amritsar. 

The state has officially declared a disaster-hit zone, triggering a high-alert federal and state response. More than 1,200 villages now lie submerged, prompting the mass deployment of rescue teams to evacuate trapped populations and provide relief. 

Authorities are coordinating with central agencies to scale up rescue operations, ensuring food, shelter, and medical aid reach the worst-hit areas. Meanwhile, farmers, many of whom have lost crops and homes, are urging more robust flood-mitigation structures.

This calamity spotlights urgent needs not just for immediate aid but for long-term infrastructure resilience. Punjab’s chief minister and officials are pressing the central government for accelerated funding and comprehensive rehabilitation measures to rebuild lives and livelihoods across the state.