Gurdaspur, Punjab — Torrential floods have left thousands of people stranded on rooftops across Punjab as swollen rivers breached embankments, submerging villages, damaging crops, and washing away homes. Massive rescue and relief operations are underway with the NDRF, Army, BSF, and IAF pressed into action in the worst-hit districts of Gurdaspur, Pathankot, Amritsar, and Ferozepur.
Officials said incessant rainfall, combined with the release of dam waters, triggered flooding across tributaries, devastating newly planted paddy crops. Families marooned on rooftops have appealed for urgent relief, including food and cattle fodder.
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Several BSF check posts along the India-Pakistan border were damaged or washed away. In Ferozepur, BSF teams braved rising waters to evacuate villagers and even rescued Army personnel and critical military equipment after floodwaters entered a nearby camp. “BSF’s prompt action not only protected lives but also ensured vital assets were secured,” the force said in a post on X.
The Border Security Force has carried out a series of timely evacuations in border villages, saving dozens of lives. In Gurdaspur, BSF rescue teams conducted special operations in Makora and Chakmakoda villages, where 70 villagers were safely evacuated using inflatable boats by the trained BSF Water Wing. In Ferozepur’s Kaluwala village, 14 villagers were ferried across the flooded Sutlej River. In another operation, BSF personnel evacuated a sick elderly resident from flood-hit Mahar Jamsher village in Fazilka, rushing him to the Civil Hospital. Civil authorities and locals have lauded BSF’s tireless efforts to protect lives and extend critical support in the flood-ravaged border belt.
The Indian Air Force and Army Aviation have intensified Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) missions. So far, more than 1,600 people have been evacuated, including 11 Punjab government officials and 212 paramilitary personnel stranded along the Chenab, Ravi, and Beas rivers.
🔹 12 helicopters deployed
🔹 95 winch operations and 101 low-hover missions conducted
🔹 3,800 kg of relief material airdropped in affected areas
In Pathankot, IAF helicopters evacuated 46 civilians and delivered emergency supplies, while in Dera Baba Nanak, a high-risk mission rescued 38 Army and 10 BSF personnel.
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has directed all ministers, MLAs, and officers to remain in their constituencies to provide immediate relief. More than 400 villages, particularly in Ropar, Anandpur Sahib, Jalandhar, and Kapurthala districts, have been badly hit by the overflowing Sutlej River.
In addition to official operations, eco-activist and MP Sant Balbir Singh Seechewal, renowned for reviving the sacred Kali Bein rivulet, has been mobilizing volunteers with boats to deliver supplies and assist in plugging breaches.
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