Face2News/Chandigarh

Flood rescue and relief operations commenced on July 10 when the Flood Relief  Columns of Indian Army were requisitioned by State Administration when flood waters of over flowing Ghaggar river submerged parts of Rajpura.

The columns acted proactively and were instrumental in timely rescue of 900 students from Chitkara University along with a large number of population from adjoining villages. The swelling rivers and overflowing canals resulted in flood waters entering Badi Nadi and two major breaches at Focal Point, Patiala was noticed by Army columns while undertaking rescue operations. The breaches were extremely critical as they would have submerged the entire city of Patiala within hours. Timely action by Army in coordination with Civil Administration and NDRF over two nights prevented flooding and inundation of Patiala city.

Presently recue and relief efforts are being concentrated on the severely affected areas in and around Patran, Moonak and Sangrur District where Ghaggar river is in overflowing and the Relief Columns of Army are working relentlessly with assistance from local administration in providing much needed rescue and relief material. More than 600 people were rescued in ongoing Army rescue operations in Shutrana & nearby villages.

The resulting floods had inundated huge swatches of residential colonies in Patiala and the troops were in action in Urban Estate Phase I & II, Gobind Bagh, Rishi Colony, Gopal Colony, Kohinoor Colony and other locations resulting in evacuation of 6000 residents in Patiala who were at risk of being isolated within the confines of their homes.

Fatehgarh Sahib and Ambala were also severely affected and Flood Relief Columns of the Indian Army were instrumental in evacuating and providing relief to thousands of stranded locals and host of villages. As the flood waters receded in Patiala and moved south towards Devigarh, Patran & Samana, the Relief Columns moved to the affected locations after stabilising the situation in Patiala.

The water levels in the affected areas had reached an unprecedented height of 10 to 15 feet and the Army provided aid to more than 7000 residents. The priority of rescue was senior citizens, pregnant ladies and children, sick and wounded followed by other people.

Presently recue and relief efforts are being concentrated on the severely affected areas in and around Patran, Moonak and Sangrur District where Ghaggar river is in overflowing and the Relief Columns of Army are working relentlessly with assistance from local administration in providing much needed rescue and relief material. More than 600 people were rescued in ongoing Army rescue operations in Shutrana & nearby villages.

In the past four days the Army Columns have evacuated more than 11000 civilians, provided water and rations to more than 7000 stranded population and medical aid to more than 1500 residents. The Indian Army continues to work in close coordination with the Local Administration and is closely monitoring the situation for providing immediate assistance.