What Measures is Punjab Taking Amidst Floods Affecting Over 2.55 Lakh People?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- The floods have severely impacted over 256,107 individuals.
- There have been 29 reported fatalities due to the flooding.
- The state has set up 129 relief camps for displaced families.
- Evacuations have occurred across multiple districts, with Gurdaspur being the hardest hit.
- Various agencies, including the NDRF, are assisting in rescue operations.
Chandigarh, Sep 1 (NationPress) The recent floods have impacted 256,107 individuals and resulted in 29 fatalities, as reported by Punjab Revenue Minister Hardeep Mundian on Monday. He detailed the extensive devastation that the state has faced due to relentless rains, affecting nearly the whole region and leading to unprecedented losses.
In his briefing on the ongoing evacuation and relief efforts, he indicated that Punjab is actively managing the flood crisis, with significant evacuations and assistance being conducted throughout the affected areas.
According to district reports, 15,688 individuals have been evacuated to date.
The largest evacuations occurred in Gurdaspur, where 5,549 people were rescued, followed by 3,321 in Ferozepur, 2,049 in Fazilka, 1,139 in Pathankot, 1,700 in Amritsar, and 1,052 in Hoshiarpur. Other areas, including Barnala, Kapurthala, Tarn Taran, Moga, and Mansa, also reported evacuations.
Regarding the tragic loss of life, the minister shared that 29 individuals have died across 12 districts from August 1 to September 1.
Relief and rehabilitation efforts are actively ongoing, with 129 camps established throughout Punjab to accommodate displaced families.
These include 16 camps in Amritsar, 1 in Barnala, 10 in Fazilka, 8 in Ferozepur, 25 in Gurdaspur, 20 in Hoshiarpur, 4 in Kapurthala, 1 in Mansa, 9 in Moga, 14 in Pathankot, 1 in Sangrur, and 20 in Patiala district.
Currently, 7,144 individuals are taking shelter in relief camps statewide.
Reports indicate that 1,044 villages across 12 districts have been affected.
The district-wise breakdown shows: Amritsar (88 villages), Barnala (24), Fazilka (72), Ferozepur (76), Gurdaspur (321), Hoshiarpur (94), Jalandhar (55), Kapurthala (115), Mansa (77), Moga (39), Pathankot (82), and Mohali (1).
The minister noted that 256,107 individuals have been affected by the floods, with Gurdaspur bearing the brunt, where 145,000 people were impacted, followed by 35,000 in Amritsar, 24,015 in Ferozepur, and 21,562 in Fazilka.
Pathankot registered 15,053 affected individuals, while Mohali and Kapurthala reported 7,000 and 5,650 respectively. Other impacted districts include Barnala (59), Mansa (163), Jalandhar (653), Moga (800), and Hoshiarpur (1,152).
To facilitate rescue operations, the Revenue Minister shared that numerous agencies are lending support.
The NDRF has deployed 20 teams.
The Indian Air Force, Navy, and Indian Army have dispatched 10 columns, with eight on standby, in addition to two engineering columns.
Furthermore, 35 helicopters from the Indian Air Force and Army have been activated for rescue and relief operations, while Border Security Force (BSF) units are on the ground providing added assistance.
For rescue missions, 114 boats have been deployed, alongside a state helicopter to aid in evacuation and relief efforts.