Punjab Floods Wreak Havoc: IMD Issues Red Alert For Heavy Rainfall In Several Districts

Punjab Floods Wreak Havoc: IMD Issues Red Alert For Heavy Rainfall In Several Districts

Fresh downpour in parts of India on Sunday (August 31, 2025) compounded the woes of some flood-ravaged states, where swollen rivers inundated new areas, roads were blocked and educational institutions were closed.

The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has constituted Inter-Ministerial Central Teams (IMCTs) to assess damage in States affected by unprecedented rainfall, floods and other disasters over the past few days. An IMCT each has been formed for Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Punjab and the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir to assess the impact of heavy rainfall, flash floods, cloudbursts and landslides, the Ministry said in a statement.

In Himachal Pradesh, which has been hit by landslides, cloudbursts and flash floods this monsoon, rescuers braced for more arduous work as the IMD issued a ‘red’ alert for very heavy to extremely heavy rains over the next three days and warned of landslides, flash floods and land subsidence.

Punjab, which has been hit by flash floods, received fresh rain. In Uttarakhand, a rain-triggered landslide blocked tunnels of a power project in Pithoragarh, trapping 11 people. A cloudburst near Chennai, Tamil Nadu, brought heavy rain to the city and led to the diversion of flights.

August 31, 2025 21:15

Flood-ravaged Punjab receives 74% excess rain in August, highest in 25 years

Flood-ravaged Punjab received 253.7 mm of rain in August, which was not only 74% in excess of normal but also the highest the state witnessed in the past 25 years, officials said on Sunday (August 31, 2025).

Neighbouring Haryana received 194.5 mm of rain in August against an average of 147.7 mm for the month, marking a 32% increase, they said.

According to the meteorological department here, at 253.7 mm, the August rainfall in Punjab was 74% more than the month’s normal of 146.2 mm.

“Punjab received deficient rainfall multiple times in the past couple of decades, but this year it recorded the highest rainfall figures for August in the last 25 years,” the Met department said.

- PTI

August 31, 2025 21:12

Red alert issued for extremely heavy rains in 4-6 Himachal districts till September 2

The meteorological centre has issued a red alert for very heavy to extremely heavy rains in four to six districts of Himachal Pradesh from Sunday (August 31, 2025) to Tuesday (September 2, 2025) and cautioned of landslides, flash floods, land subsidence, water-logging and swelling of water bodies.

The Met office has forecast very heavy to extremely heavy rains accompanied by thunderstorms at isolated places in Una, Bilaspur, Shimla, Solan and Sirmaur on Sunday (August 31, 2025).

Heavy to extremely heavy rains are likely in isolated places in Una, Bilapsur, Hamirpur, Kangra, Mandi and Sirmaur on Monday and Chamba, Kangra, Kullu and Mandi on Tuesday (September 2, 2025), it has been predicted.

- PTI

August 31, 2025 21:06

Union Home Ministry forms central teams to assess damage from natural disaster

The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has constituted Inter-Ministerial Central Teams (IMCTs) to assess damage in States affected by unprecedented rainfall, floods and other disasters over the past few days.

An IMCT each has been formed for Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Punjab and the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir to assess the impact of heavy rainfall, flash floods, cloudbursts and landslides, the Ministry said in a statement.

The teams will make on-the-spot assessments of the situation and relief measures undertaken by the State governments. They are scheduled to visit the affected areas early next week. An IMCT and a Multi-Sectoral Team have already visited Himachal Pradesh.

Centre deputes teams to assess damage in disaster-hit States

MHA forms IMCTs to assess damage in flood-affected states, providing on-the-spot relief and financial assistance.

August 31, 2025 19:08

Haryana govt fully prepared to deal with flood situation: CM

Taking note of the increased water levels in some rivers due to heavy rains in their catchment areas in the hill states, Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini on Sunday (August 31, 2025) said that his government is alert and prepared to deal with any situation.

According to the local Met office, Haryana is likely to witness light to moderate rain in many places from August 31 to September 2, while heavy rain is expected at isolated places till September 3.

Speaking to reporters at Dronacharya Sports Stadium in Kurukshetra on the sidelines of a cyclothon event, Mr. Saini appealed to the public to remain cautious in such inclement weather and avoid travelling to hilly areas.

- PTI

August 31, 2025 19:06

All schools to remain shut across Jammu on September 1

All government and private schools will remain closed across Jammu on Monday (September 1, 2025), the Directorate of School Education said, citing incessant rain and landslides that lashed the hilly areas of the division.

The schools in the region remained closed this week as a precautionary measure amid weather advisories.

“Keeping in view the incessant rain and landslides in the hilly areas, and to ensure the safety of students and staff, it is hereby ordered that all government and private schools across Jammu division shall continue to remain closed on 01-09-2025 (Monday),” Naseem Javaid Chowdhary, Director School Education, Jammu, said in the official order.

- PTI

August 31, 2025 18:47

Uttarakhand | NHPC workers trapped as both tunnels of Dhauliganga project blocked

Nineteen workers of National Hydroelectric Power Corporation Limited (NHPC) were trapped inside a power house on Sunday (August 31, 2025) as a landslide blocked normal and emergency tunnels of Dhauliganga Power Project in Uttarakhand’s Pithoragarh, officials said.

The path leading to the normal and emergency tunnels of the Dhauliganga power project in the Ealagarh area near Dharchula in the district was blocked due to a landslide caused by heavy rains.

August 31, 2025 17:15

J&K flood | Amit Shah to assess flood damage, says CM Omar Abdullah

Union Home Minister Amit Shah is visiting Jammu and Kashmir to assess the damage caused by flash floods and record rainfall early this week, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said on Sunday (August 31, 2025).

Mr. Shah is scheduled to arrive in Jammu later this evening on a two-day tour and is expected to conduct an aerial survey of the flood-hit areas before chairing a high-level meeting at the Raj Bhavan on Monday (September 1, 2025).

“The Home Minister is solely coming here to assess the situation in the aftermath of the heavy rains and flash floods and look at our requirement from the Centre (to cope with the crisis). He has no other purpose, and he is not coming for security or development review,” Mr. Abdullah said.

- PTI

August 31, 2025 15:48

Punjab floods: All schools to remain closed till September 3

The Punjab government has extended the closure of all schools until September 3 due to the ongoing flood situation in the state, officials announced on Sunday (August 31, 2025). 

Previously, the government declared holidays for all schools from August 27 to 30. 

“In accordance with the directives of Chief Minister of Punjab, Bhagwant Singh Mann, keeping in view the flood situation in Punjab, holidays have been declared in all government/aided/recognised and private schools in the state until September 3, 2025,” Punjab Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains said. 

“Parents and students are requested to prioritise safety and comply with the instructions issued by the administration,” Bains said in a post on X. -- PTI

August 31, 2025 15:45

More heavy rain expected in September, says IMD

India Meteorological Department (IMD) said “More heavy rain expected in northwest India in September, especially Uttarakhand, south Haryana, Delhi and north Rajasthan.”

August 31, 2025 15:10

Northwest India recorded 265 mm rainfall in August, highest for month since 2001: IMD

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Sunday (August 31, 2025) said that northwest India recorded 265 mm rainfall in August, highest for the month since 2001.

August rainfall in northwest India highest since 2001: IMD

Northwest India sees record-breaking rainfall in August, causing flooding and landslides, while South India also experiences above-average rainfall.

August 31, 2025 15:09

Schools in Jammu to remain closed till September 1 due to heavy rainfall

The Directorate of School Education Jammu (DSEJ) stated on Sunday (August 31, 2025) that all government and private schools in Jammu Division will remain closed until September 1. 

This step has been taken in response to persistent heavy rainfall and landslides that have been affecting the hilly areas of the region. 

Earlier in the day, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah visited the cloudburst-hit Ramban district to assess the damage. 

He stated that restoration work in landslide-affected areas is expected to take between 20 to 25 days and alternative routes are available for double-sided traffic. 

Chief Minister Abdullah visited Marog village in Ramban district, one of several areas hit hard by recent cloudbursts and flash floods. -- ANI

August 31, 2025 15:05

Second warning issued at Bhadrachalam; officials discharge 10.41 lakh cusecs from Polavaram project

With the flood level rising to 48 ft in Godavari at Bhadrachalam in Telangana, the Irrigation Department officers issued the second warning on Sunday (August 31, 2025). The Eluru district officials cautioned people staying along the river bund on the rising flood. Boats have been arranged to supply provisions and vegetables to the flood victims.

Godavari floods: Second warning issued at Bhadrachalam; officials discharge 10.41 lakh cusecs from Polavaram project

Godavari river floods reach 48 ft in Bhadrachalam, Telangana, prompting warnings and rescue operations by officials.

August 31, 2025 14:43

819 roads, 1,236 transformers, 424 supply water supply schemes disrupted in Himachal Pradesh

The monsoon fury in Himachal Pradesh continues to batter infrastructure, with 819 roads, including three national highways, 1,236 electricity transformers and 424 water supply schemes disrupted across the State, according to the State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA). 

The cumulative death toll in the State since June 20 has reached 320, of which 166 deaths were caused by rain-related incidents such as landslides, flash floods, and electrocution, while 154 deaths occurred in road accidents, the SDMA said. 

The State’s road network has been severely impacted, with major blockages reported on NH-03, NH-05, and NH-305, along with hundreds of rural link roads cut off due to landslides and debris flows. Districts such as Chamba (253 roads), Mandi (206), Kullu (175), and Kangra (61) are among the worst affected. 

The power supply has taken a massive hit, with 1,236 distribution transformers (DTRs) damaged or non-operational, particularly in Kullu (357), Chamba (296), Una (330), and Mandi (177). Restoration work is ongoing but hampered by continuous rain and accessibility issues in high-altitude and interior regions. 

The water supply has also been disrupted in 424 schemes, affecting both drinking water and irrigation facilities. The highest impact has been in Chamba (77 schemes), Kullu (39), Mandi (56), and Shimla (32). 

Authorities have deployed multiple teams for road clearance, power restoration, and water supply repairs, but warn that heavy rain forecasts could delay full restoration. -- ANI

August 31, 2025 14:07

Thunderstorms with heavy rain likely in parts of Haryana and Punjab: IMD

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a nowcast alert for Haryana and Punjab, forecasting thunderstorms, lightning, and rain in several districts on Sunday (August 31, 2025). 

According to the IMD, thunderstorms accompanied by lightning and heavy rainfall are expected in areas including Gharaunda, Karnal, Thanesar, Safidon, Panipat, Asandh, Kaithal, Nilokheri, Narwana, Kalayat, Panchkula, Guhla, Pehowa, Shahabad, Ambala, Chandigarh, and Kalka. Wind speeds are likely to reach 30-40 kmph. 

Meanwhile, moderate rainfall with thunder and lightning is likely in Hisar, Narnaund, Fatehabad, Ganaur, Samalkha, Bapouli, Gohana, Israna, Jind, Tohana, Ratia, Narayangarh, and adjoining regions. 

Light rain is expected over Rohtak, Hansi, Adampur, Kharkhoda, Sonipat, Julana, Sirsa, Radaur, Barara, Jagadhri, and Yamunanagar. 

In Chandigarh, rainfall measured between 8:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. was recorded at 25.7 mm at the Sector-39 observatory and 7 mm at the Sector-7 automatic weather station. 

For Punjab, the IMD has predicted thunderstorms with heavy rain in Lehra, Sunam, Sangrur, Dhuri, Malerkotla, Moonak, Patiala, Nabha, Rajpura, Dera Bassi, Fatehgarh Sahib, Mohali, Khanna, Payal, Kharar, Chamkaur Sahib, Samrala, and Rup Nagar. 

Moderate rainfall with thunderstorms is likely in Sardulgarh, Budhlada, Mansa, Barnala, Ludhiana (East and West), Jagraon, Raikot, Phillaur, Balachaur, Nawanshahr, Anandpur Sahib, Garhshankar, and Nangal. 

Light showers are expected in Talwandi Sabo, Rampura Phul, Moga, Nihal Singhwala, Nakodar, Phagwara, Hoshiarpur, and the surrounding districts. -- ANI

August 31, 2025 13:30

More than 200 people rescued in Kathua amid flood damage

More than 200 people have been rescued so far as rescue operations are underway in the aftermath of heavy flooding in Jammu division’s Kathua district, a police officer said. 

On Saturday (August 30, 2025), Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Saxena told reporters, “...DGP Nalin Prabhat has done a detailed inspection of border arrangements. He was our first senior officer to visit after the floods... We had a detailed meeting with CAPF, district officers, SSP Traffic, and SSP Pathankot for flood relief, rescue, and repair works in Kathua. Rescue operations are underway. 

“We have rescued 75 more people...This has resulted in the rescue of more than 200 people so far... We have rehabilitated a lot of people as a preventive measure.” 

Director General of Police (DGP) Jammu and Kashmir, Nalin Prabhat, visited the forward areas of the Border District Kathua to review the security situation in the aftermath of heavy flooding, said a press release. 

During his visit, the DGP also inspected the Lakhanpur-Madhopur bridges, which had sustained damage due to flash floods. Senior officers from Punjab, including the SSP of Pathankot and the SP of Traffic Punjab, joined him during the field review. -- ANI

August 31, 2025 13:21

Water level in Beas river further rises, Kapurthala administration issues alert

The Kapurthala district administration on Sunday (August 31, 2025) issued an alert, appealing to people in the Sultanpur Lodhi area to move to safer places in view of the further increase in water level in the Beas river following incessant rains, officials said. 

Kapurthala Deputy Commissioner Amit Kumar Panchal said due to heavy rains, the water level in the Beas river has increased to 2.35 lakh cusecs and urged people living in the low-lying areas to immediately move to safer places. 

The meteorological department has issued an alert of heavy rain in Kapurthala district. 

Protecting the lives of people is the priority of the administration, so people from the affected areas should go to safer places, he said. 

Teams of the Army and state disaster response force are continuously evacuating people, he said. 

Villages in the Sultanpur Lodhi and Bholath areas are the most-affected places because of floods. -- PTI