PUNJAB: At least 29 people have died and over 250,000 have been affected as deadly floods continue to maroon more than 1,000 villages across India’s northwestern state of Punjab, authorities said. Thousands have sought shelter in relief camps, while large-scale rescue operations are underway.
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann described the situation as “one of the worst flood disasters in decades,” with over 940 square kilometres (360 square miles) of farmland submerged, causing devastating crop losses. Mann has written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who assured the state of the federal government’s full support.
Authorities also warn of significant livestock losses, the extent of which will become clear once waters recede. The Indian army and disaster management teams have deployed over 1,000 boats and 30 helicopters for rescue and relief operations.
“The most important thing is to save the lives of people and helpless animals trapped in the water,” Mann said.
Rivers in Punjab flow into neighboring Pakistan, where floodwaters have similarly inundated large areas. Experts say climate change and poorly planned development are increasing the frequency and severity of monsoon floods and landslides in the region. Northwest India has experienced a 30% surge in rainfall from June to September, according to the national weather department.
In Delhi, relentless rains have swelled the Yamuna river, breaching its danger mark and flooding several areas, causing traffic snarls. Last month, record-breaking rains also triggered deadly floods in Jammu and Kashmir.
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