Rescue Operations Continued in almost all Flood-Affected Villages 

CHANDIGARH: A Critical situation unfolds as floods wreak havoc across six districts of Punjab, prompting swift emergency measures and rescue operations. The Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) has taken the decision to maintain open floodgates for the next four days, a step aimed at mitigating water levels. However, the impact of these measures has been deeply felt in many villages of Rupnagar district, where the surging waters of the Sutlej river have left a trail of destruction. Furthermore, the repercussions of the water release from the Pong Dam have reached districts beyond Rupnagar, affecting Hoshiarpur, Gurdaspur, Kapurthala, Amritsar, Tarn Taran, and Ferozepur.

Multiple dams in Rupnagar bore the brunt of the forceful entry of Bhakra water into the Sutlej, causing breaches and flooding. As the district grapples with this catastrophe, diligent efforts are underway to control the situation. The breach at the Burj village dam has prompted intensive measures to stabilize embankments, including the deployment of resources to reinforce them. Minister Harjot Bains confirmed that substantial work has been carried out, including the filling of a staggering one lakh bags of soil. Immediate relief efforts are also underway in flood-affected villages such as Chandpur Bele, Ramgarh Bela, and Patti Sheikh Singh, with Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann personally overseeing the rescue mission.

The havoc wrought by the floods has led to the closure of numerous government schools and Aganwadi centers in the inundated areas of Ropar district. The scope of this closure encompasses educational institutions in Nangal, Sri Kiratpur Sahib, Sri Anandpur Sahib, and surrounding regions. A total of 37 educational establishments are to remain closed until August 18, as indicated in an official communication from the administration.

Amritsar have been significantly affected by the water release from the Pong Dam. Sherobaga village in Amritsar witnessed flooding of homes, necessitating rescue operations that resulted in the successful evacuation of 26 individuals and 30 pets by the NDRF teams. The sacred Guru Granth Sahib ji from the Guru Ghar of the village was also carefully relocated to a safe haven.

Beas river has affected around 50 villages of the district after releasing large amount of water from Pong Dam. About 50 villages in Dinanagar, Gurdaspur and Kahnuwan areas have been submerged due to floods. 

Hoshiarpur DC, Komal Mittal is appealing people to move to safer places. Food situation is also being monitored in almost all villages of Hoshiarpur. NDRF and SDRF teams are delivering essential goods to the people in the flood affected areas.