Helicopter Rescues Initiated as Punjab Faces Severe Flooding

Heavy rainfall and rising river levels have caused significant flooding across the Majha region of Punjab, impacting numerous villages and halting rail traffic. The situation escalated as authorities reported breaches in river embankments, leading to extensive damage and the displacement of residents. District administrations mobilized emergency responses, including helicopter rescues, to assist those stranded.

In Pathankot, helicopters were dispatched to rescue individuals trapped in Taash and Lasaniya villages, according to Deputy Commissioner Aditya Uppal. The rising waters of the Ravi and Ujh rivers have inundated homes and agricultural land, prompting urgent measures from local officials. As the rainfall continues and river levels threaten to rise further, relief efforts are underway.

The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) has also stepped in to support affected communities by establishing relief camps. They are providing shelter and essential supplies, including meals, to those displaced by the floods. The SGPC’s initiatives exemplify local organizations’ role in disaster response.

Rail traffic has been severely affected in the region, with the Pathankot Cantonment-Kandrori section temporarily suspended due to heavy erosion and flash floods in the Chakki River. Himanshu Shekhar Upadhyay, chief public relations officer for Northern Railways, confirmed that trains have been diverted as a precautionary measure following the collapse of an old bridge over the Chukka River just a day earlier.

In Gurdaspur, a breach occurred in an embankment near Pamma village on the Dinanagar–Narot Jaimal Singh road, causing floodwaters to penetrate the surrounding areas. Reports indicate that villages such as Pamma and Kohliyan are facing rising water levels, with concerns extending to Kilpur and Udipur Eman villages. Residents noted that a breach in the spur dam in Kahna village led to flooding by early Tuesday morning.

The situation in Amritsar has also deteriorated, with three three-storey buildings collapsing near Wahiya Wala Bazaar in Majith Mandi. Fortunately, no injuries were reported as the buildings had been abandoned prior to the incident. In light of the ongoing weather conditions, Amritsar’s district magistrate, Sakshi Sahni, ordered the closure of all educational institutions on August 27, 2023, to ensure the safety of students.

As an additional safety measure, 14 villages in the Ajnala subdivision have been placed on high alert due to the forecasted rise in water levels of the Ravi River. While officials monitor the situation closely, the Beas River remains stable for the time being.

Gurdwaras in the Tarn Taran district have been proactive in informing residents about the floods, with announcements made to raise awareness and encourage preventative measures. SGPC secretary Partap Singh reported that shelters and community meals have been organized for those in need.

The Border Security Force (BSF) has also been actively involved in rescue operations, particularly in the flood-affected areas of Killerpur Kheda village in Gurdaspur district. A BSF spokesperson confirmed that their rescue party utilized an inflatable boat to evacuate approximately 60 civilians from danger.

As the situation continues to evolve, local authorities and community organizations are prioritizing the safety and well-being of residents impacted by the floods, highlighting the importance of coordinated disaster response efforts in times of crisis.