Heavy Rains Bring Worst Disaster In Decades
Punjab is facing one of its worst floods in recent memory. The government said on Tuesday that 30 people have died in the floods that have hit 12 districts of the state. Pathankot has seen the most damage where six people died, and three more are still missing.
Authorities stated that this week’s rain has shattered the record of the floods in 1988 with thousands of acres of land being ruined. Damage this time seems to be worse. Large portions of paddy crops are inundated. Cattle and livestock were also swept away. The villagers mentioned that they never witnessed rain like that in years.
Many Isolated, People Shifted To Shelters
The areas worst affected are Amritsar, Fazilka, Ferozepur, Pathankot, Kapurthala, Tarn Taran, Patiala and Jalandhar. Ghaggar, Tangri and Markanda river waters have overflowed. Releasing water from Ropar has put more pressure.
In Sultanpur Lodhi, the Beas river is flowing in full steam and exerting pressure on embankments. Residents residing on the bank of the river have shifted out. In Kapurthala and Phagwara, overnight heavy rain inundated roads and shops remained shut. Dozens of families are taking shelter in school buildings and government camps after their houses are submerged in water.
Over 15,000 individuals have been relocated to safer areas by the government. Officials reported that approximately 2.5 lakh individuals in the state have been impacted till now. People from low-lying villages are being rescued using boats and tractors.
Government And Ground Rescue Teams
Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann stated this is the worst flood in Punjab in years and assured complete assistance to all affected families. Prime Minister Narendra Modi even phoned the Chief Minister on his return from China and declared the central government will provide full assistance to the state.
Troops of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), Army, Border Security Force (BSF), police and local administration are all at work. They are providing food packets, medicines and safe drinking water. Relief camps are being established with bedding and medical assistance.
But with more rain forecast in some areas of Punjab, there is apprehension that things could worsen in the next few days.
FAQs
- Â How many fatalities have occurred in the Punjab floods?
A minimum of 30 fatalities have been reported so far. The highest number of fatalities have
come in from the Pathankot district.
- How serious is this flood in comparison with previous years?
It has surpassed the 1988 floods, which were one of the worst in Punjab’s history.
- Which districts are the most affected?
Pathankot, Amritsar, Jalandhar, Kapurthala, Fazilka, and Ferozepur are among the worst hit.
- Â What assistance is being provided to the people?
The government and rescue squads are offering shelters, food, medicines and potable drinking water.
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