Heavy rains: Punjab under red alert, all schools closed tomorrow
What's the story
While Himachal Pradesh and Jammu and Kashmir are reeling from torrential rains, Punjab and Haryana got pounded by rains for the third day in a row on Monday. The MeT department has issued a red alert across Punjab, amid growing concerns about damage to paddy and cotton crops. Punjab schools, colleges will be shut on Tuesday, and the Army is on standby. Here's more.
Twitter Post
Punjab announces closure of schools, colleges
Chief Minister @capt_amarinder announces closure of all schools colleges in Punjab on Tuesday (Sept 25) in view of the incessant rains and the looming flood threat. pic.twitter.com/7I8AH5ZFu1
— RaveenMediaAdvPunCM (@RT_MediaAdvPbCM) September 24, 2018
Situation
The situation in Punjab is deteriorating
In light of the situation, Punjab CM Captain Amarinder Singh has asked state authorities to remain on constant vigil, and has ordered the activation of Disaster Control Rooms. Hotspots where heavy damage can be expected are being identified. Meanwhile, Punjab's Ranjit Sagar Dam is on the verge of overflowing, with the current water level at 524.80m. The dam's maximum capacity is 527.91m.
Twitter Post
Several villages near Sutlej has been put on high alert
#Punjab flood alert heavy rains: Villages near Sutlej river in Doraha and Machhiwara (dist Ludhiana) on alert. Khanna SSP issues orders to SHOs to identify weak buildings (which may collapse due to continuous rain) and shift families to a safe place. @IndianExpress pic.twitter.com/kF6BEIBULk
— Divya Goyal (@divya5521) September 24, 2018
Services
Train services have been cancelled or diverted
Meanwhile, due to waterlogging, the Northern Railway has announced the cancellation of several trains. 12460/ 12459 Amritsar-New Delhi-Amritsar and 14681/ 14682 New Delhi-Jallandhar City-New Delhi Intercity express trains have been cancelled for the day. Several other trains have been diverted, while the Railways have announced short termination and/or short origination of many other trains.