Patiala, July 18
A cloudburst which caused torrential rain in the Lalru area two days ago, today caused flashfloods in this district resulting in three breaches in the Ghaggar as well as the Sutlej Yamuna Link (SYL) canal besides marooning two villages.

Besides this, cracks had developed in the defence bundh constructed to ensure the Ghaggar did not endanger the Narwana branch canal at RD 150. Water had also started heading up at Khanauri in Samana subdivision where syphons helped pass Ghaggar water from beneath the Bhakra mainline canal. Both Tangri and Markanda which criss-cross the district were also flowing above the danger mark.

The cloudburst which occurred between Ambala and Lalru two days ago was having its effect on the district today. A breach of around 30 feet had occurred on the Ghaggar near Rasoli village resulting in water entering the village. The district administration had rushed sand bags and boats to the village to tackle any eventuality, disclosed Deputy Commissioner Jasbir Singh Bir while talking to TNS. Mr Bir said Ghaggar water had also spilled over into Badshahpur village through the Khanauri - Momian drain.

Besides this breaches had occurred on the Ghaggar at Adalaltiwala village near here where nearly a 100 feet bundh had been washed away. Besides this two breaches of 80 feet and 100 feet had occurred at Doodan Gujran village. Two breaches had also occurred in the SYL canal at Lachru Kalan and Sanauli and water was also spilling over from the Narwana branch and entering the Ghaggar. A defence bundh built on the Narwana branch to prevent water from the Ghaggar from hitting the canal and endangering it, had also developed cracks. Mr Jasbir Singh Bir said the Chief Engineer, Drainage and the Chief Engineer, Canals, had rushed to the site and repairs were being conducted on a war-footing.

Meanwhile Rajpura town is also threatened due to the Dhakansu which is flowing over the danger mark and showing signs of weakening on one side. The Deputy Commissioner said sand bags had been despatched to strengthen the bundh on the rivulet as any breach in it would result in water entering the Rajpura township. Mr Bir said the situation was also being monitored at Ror Jagir and Leela Jagir villages which had been literally surrounded by water from the flashfloods which had gripped the district. Water was flowing on the roads in the district. Around 1 km of the Pehowa road going to Haryana in the district had over one foot of water flowing on it.