Ferozepur, Sept. 3 -- The increased discharges from the Harike Headworks, Hussainiwala Headworks has worsened the situation in the downstream areas in Ferozepur and Fazilka districts.

With the Sutlej also in spate, the floodwaters have affected 112 villages in Ferozepur and 24 in Fazilka. Residents have been forced to abandon their homes and seek safer places.

The situation is critical in Makhu's Rooknewala village, where the RG embankment is under strain. Locals, armed with shovels and sandbags, are working around the clock to prevent a breach.

At Habib Kee village, just 5km from Ferozepur city, army engineers and volunteers have been strengthening the embankment for three days.

Amarjeet Kaur from Dule Singh Wala said, "This flood ha...