Chandigarh, Aug. 27 -- Officials have been directed to maintain round-the-clock presence on the ground to continue rescue and relief operations on a war footing in flood-affected areas, said water resources minister Barinder Kumar Goyal and food and civil supplies minister Lal Chand Kataruchak during their visit to flood-affected areas in Pathankot and Gurdaspur on Tuesday. They said leaves for officers and staff have been cancelled.

Goyal said heavy rainfall has pushed dam water levels near capacity. He informed that the Ranjit Sagar Dam currently holds water at over 527 metres. "The priority is protecting lives and property, minimising damage and delivering relief supplies to affected populations. Helicopters are being deployed to evac...