Punjab was put on high alert on Monday after the incessant rain lashed this part of the region from past four days, resulting in mounting water levels of all dams, causing damage to roads.

The State Government has asked the Army to be on standby in case of any emergency arising out of the prevailing situation, while also cancelling the leave of all irrigation and drainage department’s staff.

Chief Minister Capt Amarinder Singh, who held an emergency meeting to review the situation, has also ordered the closure of all schools and colleges for Tuesday in the wake of incessant rain and the looming flood threat as the Met Department has predicted more rains for another day. The sub-divisions of Dasuya, Tanda and Mukerian are reportedly under threat.

Capt Amarinder has also appealed the people to exercise restraint while moving out of their houses during the next 24 hours, if it is unavoidable.

At the same time, Chief Minister has also asked the Ministers and MLAs to tour their respective areas extensively to assess the ground situation and tie up with the concerned departments for immediate redressal of hardships being faced by the people.

He also directed the Food and Civil Supplies Minister Bharat Bhushan Ashu and Animal Husbandry Minister Balbir Singh Sidhu to appoint nodal officers for distribution of food packets to the affected people and dry fodder for the animals in view of the situation.

The Chief Minister also asked the Financial Commissioner Revenue (FCR) MP Singh to seek any assistance from Army, Border Security Force (BSF) and National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and other paramilitary forces, if needed.

Expressing concern over the possible outbreak of water-borne diseases, including diarrhea, jaundice and conjunctivitis etc, Capt Amarinder asked the Health Department to take preventive measures by organising special medical check-up camps and arranging sufficient stock of medicines in this behalf.