The state of Punjab is grappling with one of the most devastating flood crises in recent decades, as heavy rainfall in the catchment areas of Himachal Pradesh and Jammu and Kashmir has swollen major rivers, including the Sutlej, Beas, and Ravi, along with seasonal rivulets. This has submerged large parts of the state, displacing thousands of people, damaging property, and creating an urgent humanitarian situation.

Amid this crisis, Punjab Police officers have stepped forward with a gesture of solidarity. All Indian Police Service (IPS) officers from the state have pledged to contribute one day’s salary to the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund. This initiative, announced by Director General of Police (DGP) Gaurav Yadav, has been welcomed across the state. Yadav noted in his statement that the contribution symbolizes the humanitarian role of the police force beyond its law-and-order responsibilities. He said, “In this hour of distress, this is a humble gesture to support relief and rehabilitation efforts. Punjab Police stands with the people and will continue to extend every possible assistance.”

This financial contribution will bolster the government’s disaster response and rehabilitation programs, ensuring that resources reach affected communities quickly.

Health Department’s Massive Response

Recognizing the health risks associated with floods, especially the outbreak of water- and vector-borne diseases, the Punjab Health Department has taken significant measures. Health Minister Balbir Singh confirmed that 818 medical teams are active in flood-hit districts, comprising 458 rapid response units and 360 mobile medical squads. These teams are reaching shelters, villages, and waterlogged areas to provide urgent medical attention.

So far, 962 medical camps have been organized, where nearly 31,876 patients have received treatment for ailments such as diarrhoea, gastroenteritis, skin infections, eye infections, hypertension, and diabetes. The department has prioritized preventive care alongside treatment, knowing that disease outbreaks can escalate post-floods.

Special attention is being given to pregnant women and vulnerable groups. The department has already airlifted five pregnant women from Gurdaspur, using boat ambulances and helicopters, ensuring safe deliveries despite harsh conditions.

Stockpile of Medicines and Disease Prevention

Floods often bring with them the risk of cholera, malaria, dengue, and other infectious diseases. To tackle this, Punjab has maintained a robust stockpile of 66 essential drugs and 21 consumables specifically earmarked for flood situations. Districts have also been allocated funds to procure additional medicines if required.

In a proactive approach, more than 11,103 Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHA) workers are going door-to-door, distributing medicines, spreading awareness about hygiene, and educating people on disease prevention. These workers are also ensuring that routine immunisation services continue without disruption, even in flood-affected regions.

Ambulance and Emergency Response Services

Emergency medical response has been scaled up with 424 ambulances, including 170 government-deployed vehicles and 254 additional ambulances provided by the Indian Medical Association (IMA), nursing colleges, and NGOs. This fleet is crucial in providing round-the-clock healthcare access to people in remote and waterlogged regions.

These ambulances are supported by trained paramedics and doctors, ensuring that patients can receive immediate care or be shifted to hospitals for advanced treatment.

Role of Civil Society and Political Leaders

Beyond government efforts, political leaders and civil society organizations are stepping in with relief measures. AAP Delhi Unit President Saurabh Bhardwaj personally accompanied trucks loaded with relief material from Delhi to Punjab. He reiterated Arvind Kejriwal’s earlier commitment to stand with the people of Punjab during this crisis.

This collaborative approach, where government agencies, police forces, medical professionals, NGOs, and political leaders pool their resources, is creating a comprehensive relief network.

Heaviest August Rainfall in 25 Years

The floods have been triggered by extraordinary rainfall. Punjab recorded 253.7 mm of rainfall in August, a staggering 74% above the normal average. This makes it the highest August rainfall in 25 years, overwhelming the state’s rivers and rivulets. The surge in water levels of Sutlej, Beas, and Ravi rivers has inundated vast agricultural fields, washed away homes, and displaced thousands.

Experts have warned that climate change and erratic monsoon patterns are making such extreme weather events more frequent. The flooding in Punjab is a grim reminder of the need for long-term water management strategies, including better river embankments, flood zoning, and disaster preparedness programs.

Humanitarian Impact

Thousands of families are currently in relief camps and shelters. With homes submerged, livelihoods disrupted, and farmlands destroyed, the floods have created not just a health emergency but also a socio-economic crisis. Farmers are facing massive crop losses, while small traders and daily wage earners have lost their means of income.

Relief camps are providing food, drinking water, clothing, and temporary shelter, but the scale of destruction requires continuous support. Government agencies are working in collaboration with NGOs to ensure no one is left behind.

Rehabilitation and the Road Ahead

Once the immediate crisis is addressed, the state will need to focus on long-term rehabilitation. This includes:

• Rebuilding damaged homes and infrastructure in flood-hit districts.

• Providing financial aid and compensation to farmers for crop losses.

• Ensuring healthcare continuity to prevent post-flood epidemics.

• Strengthening early warning systems for floods.

• Initiating climate-resilient agricultural practices to reduce future risks.

The contribution of IPS officers, medical teams, ASHA workers, NGOs, and political leaders highlights the collective will to overcome the disaster. While the immediate focus remains on rescue, relief, and medical care, the larger challenge lies in ensuring that Punjab emerges stronger and more resilient to such climate-induced disasters.

The Upcoming IPOs in this week and coming weeks are Taurian MPS, Jay Ambe Supermarkets, Krupalu Metals, Urban Company, Shringar House of Mangalsutra, Vashishtha Luxury Fashion, Karbonsteel Engineering, Sharvaya Metals, Vigor Plast India.

The Current active IPO are Austere Systems, Optivalue Tek Consulting, Goel Construction Company, Amanta Healthcare, Rachit Prints.

Start your Stock Market Journey and Apply in IPO by Opening Free Demat Account in Choice Broking FinX.

Join our Trading with CA Abhay Telegram Channel for regular Stock Market Trading and Investment Calls by CA Abhay Varn - SEBI Registered Research Analyst.