Latest Update: Severe weather conditions have triggered unprecedented warnings across the region, bringing life to a standstill and raising imminent flood concerns.

Key Highlights:

• First-Ever Red Alert: The Meteorological Department has issued its first red alert for heavy rain and lightning in Punjab and Chandigarh.

• Rising Dam Levels: Continuous rainfall has pushed the water levels at Bhakra and Pong Dams closer to the danger mark.

• Tragic Loss of Life: A family of five, including an 8-month-old infant, died after their car plunged into a gorge on the Pathankot-Chamba National Highway.

• Himachal Flash Floods: Widespread devastation reported in Chamba; over 250 roads closed across the state.

Weather Warnings & Advisories

For the first time, a Red Alert has been issued for Punjab and Chandigarh, warning of heavy to very heavy rainfall accompanied by severe lightning. The Meteorological Department predicts this weather pattern will persist until July 31.

Authorities have issued strict advisories urging residents to:

• Avoid taking shelter under trees or utility poles.

• Stay away from waterlogged areas.

Additionally, an Orange Alert has been issued for the districts of Pathankot, Gurdaspur, Hoshiarpur, Nawanshahr (SBS Nagar), Rupnagar, and Mohali. These areas face a high risk of heavy downpours, thunderstorms, lightning, and severe waterlogging.

Looming Flood Threat in Punjab

The incessant rain has significantly elevated water levels in major reservoirs, sparking fears of potential flooding in Punjab:

• Bhakra Dam: The water level has reached 1595.38 feet, which is just 84 feet below the danger mark of 1680 feet.

• Pong Dam: The current water level stands at 1331.58 feet, leaving a buffer of just 58.42 feet before it hits the danger mark of 1390 feet.

According to experts, if the current weather persists, the Bhakra Dam could reach its danger mark in 20 to 30 days, while the Pong Dam could reach its limit in 15 to 25 days. Should this happen, authorities will be forced to open the floodgates, significantly increasing the risk of widespread flooding in Punjab.

Tragedy on the Highway: Family of 5 Killed

The torrential rains claimed the lives of an entire family in neighboring Himachal Pradesh. A car skidded off the wet Pathankot-Chamba National Highway and plunged into a deep gorge.

All five occupants, whose bodies were trapped inside the vehicle, perished. The deceased have been identified as car owner Bachchan Singh, his son Ripan (who was posted at the Pong Dam in the police department), his daughter-in-law Rimpi, his niece Kirti Rana (who worked privately in Chandigarh), and his 8-month-old grandson.

The family was returning home on Monday night after the infant underwent ear surgery at PGI Chandigarh.

Flash Floods Devastate Himachal Pradesh

In Chamba, Himachal Pradesh, heavy rains triggered massive flash floods. Residents were forced to flee their homes at midnight to save their lives.

The deluge of water and debris has caused severe damage to homes and businesses, with one house's entire ground floor completely buried in mud. In the Sarol neighborhood, approximately 10 vehicles were heavily damaged, while several others were swept away by the raging floodwaters.

The catastrophic weather has paralyzed transport networks, shutting down more than 250 roads across the state, including the crucial Pathankot-Bharmour National Highway.

Stay tuned to our website for further updates, and please follow local authority guidelines to stay safe during this extreme weather.