The threat to Punjab is not over yet. The rains may continue in the coming days. The Meteorological Department had earlier predicted monsoon activity till September 3, but has now clarified that the monsoon will remain active till September 15. The weather in Punjab may deteriorate again this evening. The rains will continue in the next 24 hours. In such a situation, an alert has been issued in many areas.
According to the Meteorological Department, the rains may continue in the coming days. Due to continuous rain and humid weather, the risk of dengue, viral fever and other seasonal diseases has increased. Health experts advised people to take precautions, which includes not allowing water to accumulate and maintaining cleanliness. In view of the situation, schools have been closed in Punjab till September 7. Sources say that if the situation does not improve, holidays may be extended in some areas.
Punjab has been hit by the worst rainfall and floods since 1998. Pathankot, Gurdaspur, Fazilka, Kapurthala, Tarn Taran, Ferozepur, Hoshiarpur and Amritsar districts have been the worst affected. Punjab has received its highest rainfall in August in 27 years. August recorded 253.7 mm of rainfall, which is 74 percent more than the long-term average of 146.2 mm.
It is being told that in 1988, in just four days, i.e. between 22 and 26 September, the area near Bhakra received 634 mm of rain. The water released from the dam broke the embankments of the rivers. During this period, about 9,000 villages out of a total of 12,989 villages were inundated and more than 2,500 villages were completely submerged.