Daijiworld Media Network - Chandigarh
Chandigarh, Aug 31: With schools in Punjab ordered shut till September 3 due to widespread flooding, the state government has intensified rescue and relief operations across affected regions. Revenue Minister Hardeep Singh Mundian confirmed that 14,936 people have been evacuated from flood-hit areas and shifted to safer locations.
The state has set up 122 active relief camps currently housing 6,582 people. Floods have affected 1,312 villages, prompting an all-hands-on-deck response from the government, supported by the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), the Indian Army, Navy, Air Force, Border Security Force (BSF), Punjab Police, and fire services.
Evacuation numbers reflect the seriousness of the situation, with the largest rescue effort in Gurdaspur where over 5,400 people have been moved. Other districts like Ferozepur, Amritsar, Fazilka, and Pathankot have also seen significant evacuations. Relief camps have been established across several districts, with the highest number set up in Gurdaspur, Patiala, Hoshiarpur, and Amritsar.
Officials have directed Deputy Commissioners to ensure essential supplies are maintained at all camps. Minister Mundian expressed appreciation for the joint efforts of the armed forces and civilian agencies who are working non-stop to manage the crisis.
Currently, six NDRF teams are deployed in Gurdaspur, and one team each in Fazilka, Ferozepur, Pathankot, and Amritsar. SDRF teams are operating in Kapurthala. The Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force are engaged in operations in four major districts, with BSF teams active in Gurdaspur and Ferozepur. The Punjab Police and fire brigade are aiding local administrations in Kapurthala and Ferozepur.
Rescue efforts include deployment of boats—15 in Kapurthala, 12 in Ferozepur, and four in Pathankot—with airlifting operations being carried out where required.
The floods have impacted a vast swathe of Punjab. Gurdaspur alone has 324 affected villages, followed by Kapurthala (123), Ferozepur (107), Fazilka (92), Hoshiarpur (86), Pathankot (81), Mansa (77), Sri Muktsar Sahib (74), and others including Amritsar, Barnala, Bathinda, and Jalandhar.
With state and central agencies working together, the government has assured that rescue, relief, and rehabilitation efforts will continue at full pace until the situation is fully under control.