Ghaggar Unleashes Fury: Army, NDRF Race Against Time as Floods Engulf Punjab & Haryana

A catastrophic scene unfolds across parts of Punjab and Haryana as the Ghaggar river, swollen by relentless monsoon rains, has surged dramatically past its danger marks, triggering widespread floods. The situation, described by officials as more severe than the devastating 1993 floods in some areas, has prompted an urgent, large-scale deployment of the Indian Army, National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) to conduct critical rescue and relief operations.

The river's ferocity is most evident in Punjab, particularly in Sangrur and Mansa districts, where water levels at Khanauri and Sardulgarh have exceeded all previous records.

In Patiala, the Pasiana village saw a desperate scramble for safety as villagers were rescued from the rising waters. The Shutrana area alone reported 50 villages severely affected, with at least 10 completely submerged, painting a grim picture of loss and displacement. Samana and Sanour regions in Patiala are also grappling with the devastating impact, as vast tracts of land disappear under the muddy deluge.

The crisis extends its grip across multiple districts.

In Sangrur, areas like Moonak, Khanauri, Bhawanigarh, Dirba, Sunam, and Lehragaga have been heavily impacted, disrupting daily life and isolating communities. Haryana is not spared, with Ambala and Kaithal districts witnessing similar scenes of inundation and distress, necessitating the swift mobilization of rescue teams.

Amidst the escalating emergency, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has personally reviewed the flood situation, visiting affected areas and chairing emergency meetings.

His administration has been focused on coordinating relief efforts, establishing relief camps, ensuring the provision of food, medical aid, and fodder for livestock, and monitoring the delicate situation at dams, including the Bhakhra, from which water has been released to manage upstream pressure.

The human cost of this natural calamity is immense.

Over 9,500 people have already been evacuated in Punjab alone, leaving behind their homes and livelihoods. Agricultural lands, the backbone of the region's economy, have been submerged, with paddy, maize, and cotton crops extensively damaged, threatening the financial stability of countless farmers.

Infrastructure has taken a severe hit, with numerous roads blocked and widespread power outages plunging affected areas into darkness.

As the Ghaggar continues its relentless flow, concerns mount over the water's potential to reach Rajasthan, exacerbating the crisis further downstream. Rescue teams are working tirelessly, battling challenging conditions to reach stranded individuals and provide aid.

The collective efforts of the Army, NDRF, SDRF, and local administration underscore a determined fight against nature's fury, even as the region braces for continued challenges posed by the ongoing monsoon season and its devastating aftermath.