Patiala, July 11 -- Panic gripped villages along the Ghaggar river in Patiala district's Ghanaur block on Saturday after the river swelled close to the danger mark of 16 feet, inundating vast stretches of paddy fields and reviving memories of the devastating floods that ravaged the region last year.

The overflowing river entered agricultural fields in Chamaru, Raipur, Nanheri, Kami Kalan, Untsar and several adjoining villages, damaging standing paddy crop and leaving farmers worried over heavy losses.

While floodwater has not entered most residential areas, residents remained on the edge as the river continued to flow in full spate through the day.

Many villagers recalled last year's floods when the Ghaggar breached embankments at seve...