Punjab on high alert for floods as heavy rain and dam releases raise water levels

October 5, 2025

Jalandhar: Punjab faces a three-day flood threat, starting today, Sunday (October 5th). This is due to a heavy rain alert. The Meteorological Center has issued a heavy rain alert for Punjab, Jammu and Kashmir, and Himachal Pradesh. Dams in Himachal and Punjab are being emptied to store water in case of heavy rain.

The Amritsar district administration is on alert. Furthermore, the administration of 13 districts along the Ravi, Beas, and Sutlej rivers has also been put on alert mode. Heavy rains and the release of water from dams are likely to cause flooding. These districts include Gurdaspur, Amritsar, Ferozepur, Fazilka, Hoshiarpur, Kapurthala, Jalandhar, Tarn Taran, Moga, Ludhiana, Ropar, Patiala, and Sangrur.

Heavy rain alert in 11 districts

According to the Meteorological Centre, heavy rain may occur in 11 districts, Pathankot, Gurdaspur, Hoshiarpur, Amritsar, Kapurthala, Tarn Taran, Ferozepur, Faridkot, Moga, Fazilka and Muktsar. Light rain is also likely in the remaining districts. During this period, there is a possibility of more than normal rain and winds blowing at a speed of 40 km. The Meteorological Department has advised people not to go out in heavy rain and not to stand under trees. People have been asked not to go near waterlogged areas and rivers and streams.

What is the status of water in the dams?

Ranjit Sagar Dam: On Saturday, approximately 34,739 cusecs of water was released from the Ranjit Sagar Dam, slightly lowering the water level from 1,712.19 feet (1,727 feet), which is the danger level. The dam is located on the Ravi River, and the water released from it flows directly into the Ravi. This has led to the threat of flooding in the Gurdaspur, Amritsar, and Ferozepur districts of Punjab.
Pong Dam : Himachal Pradesh is facing a three-day heavy rainfall warning starting tomorrow. Consequently, the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) has released 82,000 cusecs of water from the Pong Dam.

This will increase the water level of the Beas River. In view of this, residents living along the Beas River in Indora-Fatehpur and Punjab have been asked to remain vigilant. Releasing water into the Beas River threatens the Hoshiarpur, Kapurthala, Jalandhar, Tarn Taran, Ferozepur, and Fazilka districts of Punjab. Its danger level is 1,390 feet.

Bhakra Dam : A decision was made to release 32,925 cusecs of water from the Bhakra Dam on Saturday. To achieve this, the flood gates were opened 2 feet. However, by evening, another 8,000 cusecs of water was released, bringing the dam’s water level slightly below 1,672.62 feet. Its danger level is 1,680 feet. The Bhakra water will increase the water level in the Sutlej River, affecting Gurdaspur, Amritsar, Ferozepur, Fazilka, Hoshiarpur, Kapurthala, Jalandhar, Tarn Taran, Moga, Ludhiana, Ropar, Patiala, and Sangrur. However, when more than 50,000 cusecs of water is released from the Bhakra Dam, the risk of flooding is higher.

High alert in Amritsar, helpline number released

The Amritsar administration is on high alert regarding flooding. Helpline numbers 0183-2229125 have been issued at the district level and 01858-245510 in Ajnala. Deputy Commissioner Sakshi Sahni stated that the water level in both rivers is currently under control and flowing normally.

However, due to expected rain in the hilly areas, water has been released from dams, which could raise the level. He appealed to people to avoid crossing the river during this period, and to keep farmers and livestock away from the riverbank or near water.