Punjab Reels: Devastating Floods Claim 29 Lives, Displace Thousands Across 12 Districts

A wave of despair has swept across Punjab as relentless monsoon downpours have triggered catastrophic floods, claiming at least 29 lives and forcing the evacuation of over 15,000 residents from their homes. The state is grappling with unprecedented devastation, with more than 1,000 villages across 12 districts submerged, painting a grim picture of loss and displacement.

The fury of nature has left an indelible mark, as rising water levels in the state's major rivers – the Sutlej, Beas, and Ghaggar – breached embankments, turning vast swathes of land into treacherous expanses of water.

The sheer scale of the disaster has overwhelmed communities, leaving many to mourn their loved ones and face an uncertain future.

District-wise, the impact has been severe and widespread. Ropar, Patiala, Sangrur, Ferozepur, Gurdaspur, Moga, Jalandhar, Kapurthala, Ludhiana, Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nagar, Tarn Taran, and Fazilka have all borne the brunt of the floodwaters.

In Patiala, areas like Samana and Sanaur were particularly hard-hit, while Ropar saw extensive damage in Bharatgarh, Anandpur Sahib, Nurpur Bedi, and Chamkaur Sahib. Sangrur district reported significant flooding in Sunam, Moonak, and Dirba, highlighting the pervasive nature of the crisis.

The humanitarian effort is in full swing, with teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), and the Indian Army working tirelessly alongside district administrations.

Their heroic efforts have led to the rescue of countless individuals trapped by the rising waters. Temporary relief camps have been established to provide shelter, food, and medical assistance to the displaced, offering a glimmer of hope amidst the chaos.

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has assured the affected populace of the government's unwavering support.

Expressing profound sorrow over the loss of life, he announced financial aid of Rs 4 lakh to the families of each deceased, emphasizing that the state stands in solidarity with those who have lost everything. Medical camps have been set up in collaboration with the health department, ensuring immediate care for flood victims, while continuous efforts are made to distribute essential relief materials to those in need.

Beyond the immediate human toll, the floods have inflicted severe economic damage.

Thousands of acres of agricultural land, particularly paddy crops, lie submerged, threatening the livelihoods of countless farmers. The loss of cattle has further compounded the woes of rural communities, painting a bleak outlook for recovery. While water levels are gradually receding in some areas, the long road to rebuilding lives and livelihoods has only just begun, underscoring the profound and lasting impact of this natural calamity on the resilient people of Punjab.