Ludhiana, Sept. 13 -- As floodwaters begin to recede across Punjab, the state government has received initial reports of extensive damage in urban areas due to heavy rainfall and flooding.

According to data compiled by the office of local bodies department from 13 municipal corporations, a copy of which is with HT, 784 houses and 43 shops or commercial structures have been damaged across various municipal limits. An official of the department, wishing not to be named, said the aforementioned figures have been based on the reports received so far from different civic bodies regarding damages.

In terms of housing damage, Moga stands out as the worst affected, with 152 houses reported damaged under the Moga Municipal Corporation. Other aff...