The Punjab government has issued a red alert in the wake of heavy rainfall in the state. The incessant rains has also made the government to issue directions to all district authorities to remain vigilant. It has been raining heavily in Punjab for the past two to three days.

Several steps have been taken to face the situation. Disaster Control Rooms have been activated and disaster management teams have been told to remain on standby in case of any emergency.

The Army has also been told to be on standby. Equipments to drain out flood waters are being arranged, said media reports.

While the rainfall has done no damage to paddy crop, it had adverse effect on cotton crop, agriculture experts said.

The weatherman has forecast light to moderate rains at most places in Punjab and Haryana till Monday. It has warned heavy rains at isolated places of the region during the next 48 hours.

It has been raining heavily in Himachal Pradesh too, as the state experienced heavy to extremely heavy rains, causing major landslides and blocking highways and link roads, while all major rivers and their tributaries were in spate, officials said here. Himachal Pradesh Roads Closed After Heavy Rains and Major Landslides.

Heavy landslides hit vehicular movement on the Chandigarh-Manali highway beyond Mandi town and on the Pathankot-Chamba highway. However, there was no loss of life.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 24, 2018 02:08 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).