Heavy rain in Chandigarh and Punjab; IMD issues orange alert in 13 districts as rivers swell
IMD has cautioned that heavy rainfall may continue over next 24 hours, raising concerns of flash floods in certain regions
PTC Web Desk: Chandigarh witnessed heavy rainfall since early Monday morning, bringing a noticeable drop in temperature and relief from recent humidity. Similar weather conditions were reported in Ludhiana, Jalandhar, and Amritsar, where morning downpours led to waterlogging in several low-lying areas.
Mohali is also likely to witness a strong likelihood of more rain throughout the day. Meanwhile, in Sri Anandpur Sahib’s Gambirpur village, hailstorm activity was reported around 1 am. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an orange alert for 13 districts in Punjab, warning of heavy rainfall due to an active Western Disturbance.
According to weather experts, the system is likely to influence Punjab and Himachal Pradesh till Tuesday morning, resulting in intense showers and gusty winds reaching up to 40 km/h across several parts of northern India. The IMD has cautioned that heavy rainfall may continue over the next 24 hours, raising concerns of flash floods in certain regions.
Rivers swelling as dam water released
Due to continuous rainfall, water levels in major rivers — Ravi, Beas, and Sutlej — have risen significantly. To reduce pressure on reservoirs, the dam authorities have started releasing water in a controlled manner.
In Pong Dam, around 39,368 cusecs of water was released on Sunday, while the outflow on Saturday morning touched 49,146 cusecs. The dam’s danger level stands at 1,390 feet. The release is expected to raise the water level in the Beas River, affecting areas in Hoshiarpur, Kapurthala, Jalandhar, Tarn Taran, Ferozepur, and Fazilka.
The Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) released 40,964 cusecs of water from the dam on Saturday, with two floodgates opened by 2 feet. The current water level stands at 1,671.49 feet, just below the danger mark of 1,680 feet. Increased water discharge is expected to elevate water levels in the Sutlej, potentially impacting Gurdaspur, Amritsar, Ludhiana, Ropar, Patiala, and adjoining districts.
From Ranjit Sagar (Thein) Dam, approximately 33,734 cusecs of water was released on Sunday, bringing the dam’s level down slightly from 1,709.27 feet (danger level: 1,727 feet). This release directly affects the Ravi River, heightening flood risk in Gurdaspur, Amritsar, and Ferozepur.
Districts under orange and yellow alerts
The IMD has issued an orange alert for the following districts: Pathankot, Gurdaspur, Amritsar, Kapurthala, Hoshiarpur, Jalandhar, Nawanshahr, Ludhiana, Ropar, Mohali, Fatehgarh Sahib, Patiala, and Sangrur.
The remaining districts are under yellow alert, advising residents to remain cautious amid potential heavy rainfall and strong winds.
District administrations in the 13 flood-prone districts along the Ravi, Beas, and Sutlej rivers have been placed on alert mode. Authorities are closely monitoring the situation, especially with ongoing dam discharges and consistent rainfall.
Amritsar Deputy Commissioner Sakshi Sahni has urged residents not to cross rivers or go near their banks until October 10 and to keep livestock away from water bodies. In Jalandhar, DC Himanshu Aggarwal has cancelled all official leaves, directing staff to stay on standby and maintain public safety. So far, no reports of major flooding or damage have been received.
With the Western Disturbance likely to persist till Tuesday, residents in low-lying and river-adjacent areas have been advised to stay alert as water levels in dams and rivers continue to rise across the state.