Heavy Rain Brings Relief and Concerns in Punjab and Haryana
Rainfall activity returned to parts of Punjab and Haryana on Sunday, bringing much-needed relief from the heat but also raising fresh concerns over flooding. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), Sirsa in Haryana recorded the highest rainfall of 49.5 mm, while several districts in Punjab and Haryana reported moderate showers during the day.
Key Highlights of Rainfall in Punjab and Haryana
- Sirsa, Haryana – 49.5 mm rainfall (highest)
- Hisar, Haryana – 14.6 mm rainfall
- Ambala, Haryana – 12.1 mm rainfall
- Panipat, Haryana – 10.5 mm rainfall
- Mewat, Haryana – 1 mm rainfall
- Amritsar, Punjab – 3.7 mm rainfall
- Faridkot, Pathankot, Ferozepur (Punjab) – light to moderate showers
Punjab: Amritsar, Faridkot, Pathankot Witness Showers
In Punjab, rainfall was reported from Amritsar, Faridkot, Pathankot, and Ferozepur.
- Amritsar received 3.7 mm rainfall between 8:30 am and 5:30 pm.
- Other regions like Faridkot, Ferozepur, and Pathankot also witnessed light to moderate rain.
Although the showers brought temporary relief from humidity, Punjab is already reeling under one of its worst flood disasters in decades. The swollen rivers Sutlej, Beas, and Ravi, along with overflowing seasonal rivulets, have worsened the situation in several low-lying districts.
Haryana: Sirsa Tops the Rainfall Chart
In Haryana, Sirsa district recorded a heavy downpour of 49.5 mm, the highest in the region.
- Hisar witnessed 14.6 mm rainfall, while Ambala received 12.1 mm.
- Panipat recorded 10.5 mm, whereas Mewat saw just 1 mm rainfall.
The rainfall is significant for agricultural activities, especially paddy cultivation, but excessive rains in flood-prone areas may worsen the situation.
Punjab Floods: Worst Disaster in Decades
Punjab is facing one of the worst flood situations in recent history. Continuous rainfall in the catchment areas of Himachal Pradesh and Jammu & Kashmir has led to swollen rivers and rivulets.
Rivers Causing Floods in Punjab
- Sutlej River – water levels remain dangerously high.
- Beas River – overflowing due to upstream rainfall.
- Ravi River – contributing to waterlogging in border districts.
- Seasonal rivulets (Choes) – adding to the flood crisis in rural Punjab.
The floods have damaged crops, infrastructure, and residential areas, forcing thousands of people to evacuate. Relief and rescue operations are being carried out in coordination with the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and local administration.
Weather Forecast: More Showers Expected
The IMD weather forecast indicates that more rainfall is expected in Punjab and Haryana over the next few days. According to meteorologists:
- Scattered to moderate rainfall will likely continue.
- Heavy rainfall alerts have been issued for isolated regions in Haryana and Punjab.
- Farmers are advised to take precautionary measures to protect standing crops.
Impact on Agriculture in Punjab and Haryana
Punjab and Haryana are agriculture-dependent states, and rainfall plays a crucial role in paddy, maize, and cotton cultivation.
Positive Impact
- Timely rainfall helps in maintaining soil moisture.
- Supports paddy transplantation in certain regions.
- Reduces dependency on groundwater irrigation.
Negative Impact
- Excessive rainfall and floods damage standing crops.
- Waterlogging poses a threat to cotton and paddy fields.
- Livelihood of farmers affected due to repeated crop losses.
Government Response to Floods and Rainfall
The state governments of Punjab and Haryana have taken several measures to mitigate the impact of floods and heavy rains.
- Rescue operations launched in low-lying areas.
- Relief camps established for displaced families.
- Medical teams deployed to prevent disease outbreaks in flood-hit regions.
- Continuous monitoring of dam water levels and river flow.
Punjab Chief Minister has urged the Central Government for additional financial aid, while Haryana authorities are keeping a close watch on Sirsa and Hisar districts due to heavy downpours.
Rainfall Brings Mixed Reactions Among Citizens
While urban residents welcomed the showers as relief from humid weather, farmers and flood-hit villagers expressed concern.
- Farmers fear further crop damage if rains intensify.
- Villagers living near rivers are worried about rising water levels.
- Residents of cities like Amritsar and Ambala experienced waterlogging on roads after showers.
Conclusion: Punjab and Haryana Brace for More Rains
The latest spell of rainfall in Punjab and Haryana, with Sirsa recording the highest 49.5 mm rainfall, highlights the region’s climatic challenges. While rains are essential for agriculture, excessive rainfall coupled with swollen rivers has led to one of the worst flood crises in decades.
Both states are now balancing relief operations with agricultural needs, while the weather department continues to monitor rainfall patterns closely. As Punjab and Haryana brace for more rains in the coming days, farmers, citizens, and administrations remain on high alert.
