Chandigarh: Floods continue to batter Punjab, with 12 districts, including Amritsar, Gurdaspur, Moga, Pathankot, Tarn Taran, Ferozepur, Hoshiarpur, Patiala, Mohali, Kapurthala, Jalandhar, and Ludhiana, reeling under heavy damage. Official figures show that 1,312 villages have been hit by rising waters, while an orange alert for further rainfall remains in force. (Punjab Floods)
The situation has grown more serious with the water level at the Bhakra reservoir now only three feet below the danger threshold. Local officials are keeping a close watch as further rainfall could trigger more flooding.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a late-night conversation with Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Monday, assuring the Centre’s assistance in tackling the crisis. Meanwhile, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi urged both state and central governments to adopt a “mission mode” approach to deliver urgent relief to farmers, workers, and vulnerable families. (Punjab Floods)
To review the evolving situation, CM Mann has scheduled a high-level video conference meeting with state officials, focusing on rescue measures, relief distribution, and long-term flood management strategies.
In a show of solidarity, Cabinet Minister Dr. Ravjot Singh announced the donation of his entire annual salary towards relief efforts. On the ground, Rural Development Minister Harjot Bains visited Rupnagar district, where the Nangal Bhakra feeder canal has collapsed at a dozen points in Sri Anandpur Sahib, and joined locals in carrying out immediate relief operations.
