Shahkot, September 22 — Four families in Mandala Channa village have been rendered homeless after floodwaters from the Sutlej River severely eroded the embankment, washing away their houses, officials said.
The destroyed homes belonged to four brothers — Channa Singh, Sona Singh, Jagdish Singh and the late Prem Singh — all daily wage labourers. The families have taken temporary shelter at the residence of village sarpanch Satnam Singh. “These families have lost everything. We are doing what we can, but the damage is extensive,” Satnam Singh said. District administration officials visited the site to assess the loss.
The emotional toll on children has been severe. Many are struggling to return to school after witnessing the collapse of their homes. Channa Singh said, “Their teachers have asked me to send them, but their minds are stuck on what they’ve lost.” Twelve-year-old Manish Kumar, a student affected by the tragedy, lost his bicycle in the collapse, a relative added.
Manjit Kaur, wife of Sona Singh, expressed her helplessness. “My children keep asking about the tragedy. I don’t know what to tell them. Whatever little I was earning at the beauty parlour, even that is gone,” she said.
Prakash Kaur, widow of Prem Singh, spoke about raising her son alone after her husband’s death 20 years ago. “He is studying hotel management but has started skipping classes. He says he cannot concentrate,” she said.
Swaran Kaur, wife of Jagdish Singh, highlighted their financial strain. “We took a Rs 50,000 loan for our daughter’s wedding. Now, with no home and no work, repaying it seems impossible,” she said.
The Drainage Department, assisted by the Army, local volunteers and residents, has been working to strengthen the damaged embankment for several days. A senior Jalandhar administration official said, “The process to assess the damage is underway. The families will be provided compensation as per government norms.”
