VIKRAM DITYA SHARMA/FEROZEPORE
Though the water level reduced since yesterday, several villages situated near Sutlej remained inundated in floods water. The district administration with the help of NDRF, Army, BSF and Punjab police reportedly rescued more than 2500 villagers belonging to Kamale Wala, Ali ke, Gatti Raji ke, New Gatti Rajo ke, Chandi Wala, Jhugge Hajara Singh Wala, Jallo ke, Bhane Wala, Bhakhra, Tendi Wala, Metab Singh, Sheene Wala, Churi Wala, Khunder Gatti, New Bare ke, Peer Ismail Khan, Machhiwara and other villages during the last two days. However, as per information, more than seven thousands villagers are still stranded in these villages.
The Samadhi of “Punjab Mata” Vidyavati (mother of Shaheed Bhagat Singh) situated near national martyrs memorial, and open air theater where the light and sound show used to take place, got submerged upto six feet height.
(MOREPIC1)(SUBHEAD) The villagers, who had been rescued by the administration, took shelter at the national martyrs’ memorial. As per information, 230341 cusec water was released from Harike Headworks downstream today while 282875 cusec water was released from Hussainiwala Headworks downstream. As per information, several villages in Pakistan situated near the Sutlej have been reportedly affected due to water released from Hussainiwala headworks during the last two days.
Rajesh Dhiman Deputy Commissioner said that the safe evacuation of the villagers and to send them at relief camps and some safe place is the first priority of the administration. “We are also trying to provide dry ration for the villagers and green fodder for their animals also with the help of various NGOs “, said DC Dhiman.
The residents belonging to flood affected villages are recalling the terrifying memories of 1988 floods when the entire Ferozepur had got submerged in floods. “I still remember the chaos of 1988 floods when this entire area had got submerged into water upto 5-6 feet. Though every year we face situations of floods in this area but this year, it reminded me of 1988 fury”, said Sucha Singh (70), a resident of Village New Gatti Rajo ke.
