IMD predicts heavy to very heavy rainfall
Chandigarh: A fresh spell of heavy rainfall is expected to lash Punjab and its neighboring states, once again raising the specter of floods in the region. The India Meteorological Department IMD Predicts Heavy Rains an alert predicting widespread heavy to very heavy rainfall in Himachal Pradesh, Jammu, and Punjab on October 6 and 7, with showers likely to begin from the night of October 4.
According to the IMD, Punjab may receive nearly 110 mm of rainfall, while Jammu is expected to record around 120 mm. Himachal Pradesh could be hit even harder, with precipitation in the range of 160–180 mm. Officials have warned that excessive rain in Himachal and Jammu will likely lead to increased inflows into Punjab’s rivers, aggravating the flood situation in vulnerable areas. Rainfall is also forecast for Haryana and Chandigarh during the same period.
Punjab Districts on High Alert
The IMD has specifically warned of heavy rainfall in several Punjab districts, including Pathankot, Amritsar, Tarn Taran, Ropar, Jalandhar, Ludhiana, Patiala, Moga, Mansa, Gurdaspur, Barnala, and Bathinda. Local administrations in these districts have been put on alert, with officials asked to prepare for possible waterlogging and overflowing drains.
Precautionary Measures at Ranjit Sagar Dam
Taking note of the forecast, the Punjab government has stepped up precautionary measures. Authorities at the Ranjit Sagar Dam have significantly increased the release of water into the Ravi River to prevent reservoir overflow. While 10,000 cusecs of water was being released over the past two days, the outflow was raised sharply to 37,686 cusecs on Thursday.
Officials said that controlled release was necessary to avoid sudden pressure on the dam structure and to ensure safe water levels, even as downstream villages were cautioned about the rising river flow.
Background: Recent Flood Havoc
The new forecast comes at a time when Punjab is still reeling from the impact of heavy floods that wreaked havoc during August and September, causing extensive damage to crops, homes, and infrastructure. With the fresh spell of rain predicted, concerns are mounting about renewed disruptions in agricultural belts and low-lying areas.
Authorities are monitoring the situation closely, while disaster response teams have been instructed to remain on standby. The government has also appealed to citizens in flood-prone areas to stay alert and avoid venturing near swollen rivers and rivulets.
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