Punjab Newsline | Chandigarh
Weather department has issued a red alert for Punjab and Chandigarh, warning of heavy to very heavy rainfall accompanied by lightning strikes across several districts on Tuesday. Residents have been advised not to take shelter under trees or electricity poles and to stay away from waterlogged and low-lying areas due to the heightened risk of accidents during thunderstorms.
Officials said the current spell of wet weather is likely to continue until July 31, with intermittent intense showers expected in many parts of the region. Emergency and disaster-management teams have been asked to remain on alert as rainfall activity continues to affect daily life in both urban and rural areas.
Meanwhile, continuous inflow from the upper catchment areas has pushed the Bhakra and Pong dams closer to their danger levels. According to experts monitoring reservoir conditions, Bhakra Dam may take another 20 to 30 days to reach the danger mark, while Pong Dam could reach that level within 15 to 25 days if the present inflow trend continues.
Experts warned that if water levels continue to rise, authorities may eventually be forced to open the floodgates of the dams, which could significantly increase water discharge into downstream rivers. Such a situation may heighten the risk of flooding in several parts of Punjab, particularly in districts located along major river systems.
The administration has urged people living near rivers, seasonal drains, and flood-prone zones to remain vigilant, follow official advisories, and avoid unnecessary travel during periods of intense rainfall and thunderstorms.
