India is reeling under one of the worst flood disasters in its recent history, with all 23 districts in Punjab are being impacted. Extreme monsoon rainfall in Punjab and importantly in upstream catchment areas (Himachal Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir) that feed the Sutlej, Beas and Ravi rivers. Large/rapid releases from reservoirs (Bhakra, Pong/Ranjit Sagar and other dams) to protect upstream infrastructure, which increased downstream flows. Saturated soils and limited drainage in low-lying agricultural plains, which increased inundation and slowed recession.
According to Government, as of 8th September 2025, nearly 2 million people across 2,050 villages have been affected, and 3,87,898 individuals displaced from their homes. The official death toll has reached 48, while three persons remain missing. The agricultural sector has suffered massive losses, with more than 1,76,000 hectares of farmland submerged. Alongside crop damage, livestock has been badly hit, with over 2,52,000 animals and 5,88,000 poultry birds affected due to waterlogging, fodder shortages, and lack of shelter.
Because of floods and cloudburst, the livelihood of people including agriculture and farmlands are badly affected. The health sector has faced unprecedented destruction. This disruption has severely strained healthcare delivery at a time when stagnant water and poor sanitation are heightening the risk of outbreaks such as dengue, cholera, typhoid, diarrhea, and hepatitis. The risk of snakebites has also increased. Medical teams, including ASHA workers and Community Health Officers, are conducting door-to-door checks, distributing medicines, and providing anti-snake venom in flood-hit areas.
Based on the initial assessments Food, NFIs, WASH, Shelter and settlement are the main needs of the affected populations. ACT Alliance members LWSIT, CNI SBSS and CARD are currently on the ground and has planned to use Rapid Response Funds to support the flood and cloudburst affected people by providing basic food materials, temporary shelter, non-food items, hygiene/dignity kits, psycho social support, agricultural seeds and allied services and cash transfer.
ACT Alert_Floods in Punjab & Delhi and Cloudburst in Uttarakhand


