Punjab is reeling under one of its worst flood in nearly 40 years, with torrential monsoon rains and overflowing rivers inundating villages and towns across the region. The Ghaggar, Beas, and Ravi rivers are in spate, causing widespread damage in Ajnala, Amritsar, and over 1,000 villages in Punjab. The floodwaters have claimed at least 26 lives so far, including an irrigation department employee who tragically fell into the Ravi river while attempting to open the gates of the Madhopur barrage.
Pakistani officials allege that India’s suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty earlier this year has worsened flooding on their side of the border. They claim the collapse of gates at the Madhopur barrage unleashed an uncontrolled flow into Pakistan, affecting parts of Lahore and threatening to submerge Jhang. Pakistan’s Planning Minister, Ahsan Iqbal, stated that the absence of real-time water flow data from India made it harder to manage the crisis effectively.
Indian authorities, however, denied any deliberate attempt to flood Pakistan and confirmed that the barrage gates broke due to the surging water. They added that flow is being regulated by the Ranjit Sagar Dam upstream despite incessant rainfall.
In Punjab, MLA Kuldeep Dhaliwal has appealed for urgent intervention from the Centre, citing large-scale destruction in areas along the international border. The situation remains critical, with water levels rising again in the Beas near Sultanpur Lodhi due to excess releases from the Chakki dam.
Authorities have issued alerts across low-lying regions and are urging residents to stay prepared for any eventuality. Relief operations are underway, but officials warn that the Punjab flood situation will improve only after the water begins moving towards Pakistan.