Flood Alert in Ludhiana: Sutlej River Breach Forces Evacuation of Thousands

The Ludhiana district administration has issued an urgent alert following intense pressure on a key embankment in the eastern part of the district, caused by the strong currents of the Sutlej River. This development comes amid widespread flooding across Punjab, heightening concerns for local residents. Officials reported that the embankment, locally referred to as a 'bundh', is under significant strain, prompting immediate precautionary measures to prevent potential breaches. The alert was announced on Friday, as rising water levels pose a direct threat to several nearby villages, emphasising the need for swift action to safeguard communities in this vulnerable region. This situation reflects the broader challenges posed by seasonal monsoon floods, which have intensified in recent days due to heavy rainfall.

Several villages, including Sasrali, Boont, Rawat, Hawas, Seera, Boothgarh, Mangli Tanda, Dheri, Khawajke, Khassi Khurd, Mangli Kadar, Mattewara, Mangat, and Meharban, are at immediate risk of flooding if the embankment weakens further. Authorities have warned that any failure could lead to widespread inundation, disrupting daily life and potentially causing extensive damage to homes and infrastructure. Residents in these areas have been advised to remain vigilant, particularly those in low-lying or single-storey dwellings, and to relocate to higher floors or safer shelters as a precautionary step. This targeted warning underscores the administration's efforts to mitigate risks based on real-time assessments, ensuring that vulnerable populations are informed and prepared for possible evacuations.

In response to the threat, the district administration has established multiple rescue centres to provide support and temporary refuge. These include facilities at Satsang Ghars located on Rahon (Ghonsgarh), Chandigarh, and Tibba roads, as well as in Kailash Nagar, and at schools and mandis in Khassi Kalan, Bhukhri, and Mattewara. Officials have urged residents to prioritise the safety of the elderly, children, and those with health issues, recommending that important documents be stored in waterproof bags to protect against water damage. Additionally, helplines have been activated, with the Flood Control Room reachable at 0161-2433100 and the emergency line at 112, to offer guidance and coordinate responses. The administration emphasised in a statement that community cooperation is essential, stating that protecting lives remains the foremost priority during this crisis.

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The flooding in Ludhiana is part of a larger emergency unfolding across Punjab, where the state is grappling with severe inundation that has already claimed 43 lives as of Thursday. Extensive agricultural damage has also been reported, with crops on approximately 1.71 lakh hectares affected, threatening the livelihoods of many farmers. As water levels continue to be monitored closely, the situation highlights the recurring impact of monsoon-related disasters in the region, calling for enhanced flood management strategies. Authorities are working diligently to manage the crisis, but the alert in Ludhiana serves as a stark reminder of the need for ongoing vigilance and preparedness to minimise long-term consequences for the affected communities.

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