PM Modi assures Punjab full support amid floods
Punjab floods have severely affected 12 of 23 districts since August 1, with the government terming it among the worst disasters in a decade, causing widespread damage, displacement, and urgent relief needs.
The devastating floods in Punjab have left the state battling one of the worst disasters it has faced in a decade. Torrential rains and overflowing rivers since the beginning of August have wreaked havoc across 12 of Punjab’s 23 districts, leading to widespread destruction of homes, crops, and infrastructure. The human toll has been particularly heartbreaking, with at least 29 lives lost so far, most of them in Pathankot district, while more than 2.56 lakh people have been directly affected.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who returned from his China visit on Monday night, immediately turned his attention to the crisis in Punjab. In that conversation, the Prime Minister assured the Chief Minister that the Union government would extend all possible help and support to Punjab in its fight against this calamity. According to government sources quoted by ANI, the call came right after PM Modi’s landing in Delhi, reflecting the urgency with which he views the situation.
For those living in the affected villages, the disaster has brought immense suffering. In many villages, people have lost not just their homes but also their farmlands, which are the main source of livelihood. Families have been forced to take shelter in makeshift relief camps, while others cling to higher ground, waiting for rescue teams to reach them. For farmers, the flooding of fields has raised fears of long-term economic hardship, as crops have been destroyed at a time when many were preparing for harvest.
Recognizing the urgent need for coordinated relief, the state administration and multiple agencies have swung into action. The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) has deployed 20 teams across the state, while the Army, Navy, and Air Force have each mobilized 10 columns, with an additional eight on standby. Engineering units are working tirelessly to repair damaged roads and bridges so that essential supplies can reach cut-off areas. More than 35 helicopters have been pressed into service for aerial rescues, food drops, and medical evacuations, while 114 boats, including one state-owned helicopter, are supporting operations on the ground. The Border Security Force (BSF) has also stationed personnel in the affected border regions to assist in relief work and maintain order.
In Hoshiarpur, a unique community-driven initiative has been launched to bring some hope amid the crisis. The district administration, in collaboration with the Red Cross Society and several NGOs, has rolled out the ‘Charda Suraj’ campaign. Through this effort, relief workers have been able to reach more than 1,200 flood-hit individuals with essential supplies, medical aid, and emotional support. For many villagers, these gestures mean more than just food or medicines—they serve as reminders that they are not alone in their struggle.
Yet, even with these massive relief measures, challenges remain daunting. With floodwaters continuing to inundate several areas, there is an urgent need for clean drinking water, food supplies, and medical aid to prevent outbreaks of waterborne diseases. Children and elderly citizens are especially vulnerable, and relief workers face the uphill task of ensuring their safety.
For countless families, the road to recovery will be long and difficult, requiring not just immediate relief but also long-term rehabilitation and reconstruction support. Prime Minister Modi’s assurance of central assistance has given some hope to the people of Punjab, but on the ground, the resilience of ordinary citizens and the dedication of rescue teams are proving to be the true pillars of strength in these testing times.