Chandigarh: Punjab is once again staring at the risk of floods as the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a warning of heavy rainfall in Himachal Pradesh, Jammu, and Punjab in the coming days.

According to the forecast, rain is expected to begin from the night of October 4 and intensify on October 6 and 7. Punjab may record up to 110 mm of rainfall, Jammu around 120 mm, while Himachal Pradesh could see 160–180 mm of heavy showers. Rainfall in the hilly states is likely to push additional water into Punjab’s rivers, worsening the flood situation in vulnerable areas. Neighboring Haryana and Chandigarh are also likely to witness rainfall.

The IMD has predicted heavy downpours in several districts, including:

•Pathankot

•Amritsar

•Tarn Taran

•Ropar

•Jalandhar

•Ludhiana

•Patiala

•Moga

•Mansa

•Gurdaspur

•Barnala

•Bathinda

Local administrations in these districts have been put on high alert. Disaster management teams have been directed to remain on standby.

Taking precautionary steps, the Punjab government has increased water discharge from the Ranjit Sagar Dam into the Ravi river. While 10,000 cusecs of water was being released earlier, the outflow was sharply increased to 37,686 cusecs on Thursday. Authorities have also alerted villagers along the riverbanks about the rising water levels.

This warning comes just weeks after Punjab faced devastating floods in August and September, which caused widespread damage to crops, homes, and infrastructure. With fresh rainfall looming, concerns are growing over renewed flooding in low-lying and agricultural belts.

Authorities have urged citizens to remain vigilant, avoid going near swollen rivers, and follow advisories issued by local administrations.