Chandigarh, Sep 2 (UNI) Prime Minister Narendra Modi contacted Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, pledging comprehensive support from the central government to address the severe flooding in the state.
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi called on both central and state authorities to accelerate relief and rescue efforts.
“The magnitude of this disaster demands mission-mode action. Farmers, labourers, livestock owners, and citizens need urgent and effective aid,” Gandhi emphasised.
In a gesture of solidarity, residents of Sirsa, Haryana, have mobilised to assist flood-hit communities in Punjab. Volunteers, including members of Dera Sacha Sauda, have set out with rations, medicines, and essential supplies.
Last night, a group from Bhrokhan village in Sirsa left for Punjab, underscoring their commitment to humanity.
“Our bond with Punjab is deep-rooted. This is about compassion. We’ve always backed farmers’ movements, and now we stand with those in need,” a volunteer stated.
The group plans to distribute aid in Sultanpur Lodhi, either preparing meals or collaborating with local gurdwaras to ensure supplies reach affected residents.
The Bhakra Dam recorded a 2.40-foot rise in water levels over the past 24 hours, reaching 1675.08 feet on yesterday morning, just 5 feet below its maximum capacity of 1680 feet.
Inflow from the Sutlej River soared to 1.9 lakh cusecs three times higher than recent days, while outflow was around 53,000 cusecs, driving the rapid increase.
At Pong Dam, water levels dipped slightly to 1390.36 feet against a maximum limit of 1390 feet, with an outflow of approximately 1.1 lakh cusecs. The Ranjit Sagar Dam, which breached the danger mark last week, remains in a critical state.
Punjab Congress chief and Ludhiana MP Amrinder Singh Raja Warring wrote to PM Modi, pressing for an immediate relief package.
Warring noted that all 23 districts of Punjab have been affected, with significant losses to crops, property, and lives. “The devastating floods require urgent action,” he wrote.
The worst-affected districts include Gurdaspur, Kapurthala, Amritsar, Pathankot, Fatehgarh Sahib, Faridkot, Patiala, Hoshiarpur, Sangrur, and Batala.
With forecasts predicting continued rainfall, the situation risks deteriorating further. Many affected residents are still awaiting sufficient aid.
The union Home Ministry has formed teams to evaluate the crisis, but Punjab urgently needs support to mitigate the ongoing disaster.
