Chandigarh, August 29 –In view of the flood-like situation triggered by breaches and overflowing waters of the Sutlej, Beas, Ravi and Ujh rivers after heavy rains, Punjab Police, the Indian Army, Border Security Force (BSF), National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) and the civil administration are conducting joint operations. So far, 7,689 people have been evacuated to safer locations, Special Director General of Police (Special DGP) Law and Order Arpit Shukla said on Friday.
The worst-affected districts include Pathankot, Hoshiarpur, Gurdaspur, Kapurthala, Tarn Taran, Fazilka and Ferozepur. Special DGP Shukla, who is personally monitoring the situation, said Punjab Police has established relief camps where food and medicine langars are operational, along with arrangements for animal fodder. Drones are being used both for evacuation and to deliver food packets and essential items to stranded residents.
According to Shukla, 20 Indian Army helicopters have been deployed across the state to airlift people to safety. Senior superintendents of police (SSPs) in the flood-hit districts have been instructed to remain on the ground and supervise relief efforts. “All arrangements have been completed and the SSPs themselves are monitoring operations to ensure people are shifted to safe places,” he said.
With the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issuing a four-day weather alert, Punjab Police has been put on full alert to respond to any flood-related emergency.
