Following three-day heavy rainfall across Punjab, red alert issued

A red alert has been issued across Punjab following heavy rainfall for the third consecutive day on Monday. Kullu district in Himachal Pradesh has also been put on “high alert”. It is feared that the rainfall has led to possible damage to the cotton and paddy crop.

Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh has asked all district authorities to remain on constant vigil and activate Disaster Control Rooms. The Army has also been kept on standby.

“All officials to remain on standby. The Army has also been requested to be on standby. Hotspots to be identified with clear evacuation and relief plans,” Singh said.

Amritsar Deputy Commissioner Kamaldeep Singh Sangha announced the closure of all schools in the district, including Himachal on Monday.

See more

Ravi river is still flowing at dangerous level, but we are hopeful as rainfall has reduced to drizzling. Evacuations in low lying areas being done since yesterday. Most of the traffic has been stopped in the district: Dr.Monika, Chamba SP. #HimachalRains

— ANI (@ANI) September 24, 2018

Water level, in a first for decades, at Chandigarh’s Sukhna Lake has reached maximum capacity. Water level in Bhakra dam was at 1,655 metres as against a capacity of 1,680 metres, in Pong it was at 1,384 metres. The maximum capacity at Pong dam is 1,390 metres. Water has, however, been released from Punjab’s Ranjit Sagar Dam. Water has also been let out from Sukhna lake and the road towards Kishangarh has been closed.