India News : Prime Minister Narendra Modi, after concluding his visit to Japan and China, returned to Delhi and immediately spoke with Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann over the phone to review the flood situation in the state. PM Modi assured all possible assistance and support from the Centre.
Punjab has been reeling under devastating floods triggered by heavy rainfall, which officials have described as the worst disaster in decades. So far, 29 lives have been lost, with Pathankot recording the highest casualties. Floodwaters have ravaged 12 districts for over a month.
Rivers Sutlej, Beas, and Ravi are overflowing due to continuous downpours in Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, and Jammu & Kashmir. Nearly 15,688 people have been rescued, including 5,549 in Gurdaspur, 3,321 in Ferozepur, 2,049 in Fazilka, 1,700 in Amritsar, and 1,139 in Pathankot. In total, 1,044 villages and around 2,56,107 people are affected, with Amritsar (35,000) and Ferozepur (24,015) being among the worst-hit areas.
Floods have also damaged approximately 96,061 hectares of farmland, while livestock losses remain unaccounted for until water levels recede.
NDRF, SDRF, the Army, and Punjab Police are actively engaged in rescue and relief operations. Twenty NDRF teams are deployed in Pathankot, Gurdaspur, Amritsar, Ferozepur, Fazilka, and Bathinda. The Punjab government has assured every possible relief measure for affected citizens.
