Punjab is currently grappling with severe flooding. Recent rains have led to mass evacuations, with thousands relocating to safer areas. Regions such as Jalandhar, Kapurthala, and Phagwara are submerged. The meteorological department has issued a heavy rainfall alert for nine districts today. Approximately 300,000 acres of agricultural land across the state are submerged. In the wake of this crisis, the community has stepped up to provide substantial aid.
Harpal Singh Cheema, a leader of the Aam Aadmi Party and Punjab’s Finance Minister, disclosed that employees from the excise and tax departments have pooled together 5 million rupees for the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund. This contribution will be utilized to assist those affected by the floods.
Harpal Singh Cheema remarked, 'The employees of the excise and tax department have collected and presented a cheque of 5 million rupees to me, for deposition into the Chief Minister's Relief Fund. Punjab is recognized globally for its spirit of fraternity. Across the world, Punjabis are known for their generosity towards others and mutual support. I urge all individuals to come forward and assist so no one goes hungry, and livestock continue receiving their feed.'
This year's rainfall broke a 25-year record in Punjab, causing 18 out of 23 districts to experience flooding. The border areas are the worst hit, where the Border Security Force (BSF) remains the only beacon of hope. The BSF is executing a large-scale rescue operation, deploying 69 helicopters, 45 water boats, and 30 vehicles to aid those trapped and deliver relief supplies. Near Ferozepur, just a few kilometers from the India-Pakistan border, the BSF is actively running a relief and rescue operation.
