AMRITSAR: In the midst of the devastating floods that have ravaged villages in Amritsar's border belt, the Diocese of Amritsar, Church of North India (CNI), has launched a lifeline of hope. Operation Faith in Action, a comprehensive initiative, is bringing succour to thousands of affected residents. The diocese has a lot more in mind than just that, including providing post-flood relief to the victims.
The diocese is constantly in touch with the district administration and the local Member of Legislative Assembly. It has gained access to even those flood-hit villages that were previously unreachable. Two dedicated teams, comprising individuals familiar with the villages and having established contacts, are working tirelessly to ensure complete coverage and success of the relief operations.
One team, led by Rev Ayub Daniel, Administrator, and Mr Daniel B Das, Secretary, Amritsar Diocesan Trust Association, is covering Ramdas, Malikpur, and Jujowal in the Ajnala area. The other team, led by Mr Om Prakash, Finance Officer, Rev Markus Masih, Bishop's Chaplain, and Mr Shakti Mal, of the Communications Department of the Diocese, is covering Talwandi Tapala in Dera Baba Nanak, Chakbala, Thoba, and Dyal Bhatti.
Wading through deep waters, the diocese's relief teams are braving the odds to deliver food, medical supplies, and shelter to those in need. “We've accessed villages like Talwandi Tapala in Dera Baba Nanak, where people were stranded without food or medical care. We shall be visiting Punjgrahi, Nangal Sohal, and Rurewal. I visited Chakbala in Ajnala, which had no access previously, ” said Mr Om Prakash. “Our teams are actively working in villages Thoba, Sufian, Dyal Bhatti, Malikpur, Jujowal, and Fatehgarh Churian, wading through deep waters to deliver essential supplies. Water is moving towards Kadial Motla and Bhindi Saidan, and access to these villages has been cut. We shall soon be moving there to provide relief, ” he added.
Mr Samson Ram, Project Officer, Diocesan Social Empowerment and Education Project, is based at Ajnala and is monitoring things daily.
The situation on the ground is dire, with the floodwaters bringing with them a host of challenges. "The villages are unbearable to stay in due to the stench from dead livestock and rodents floating on the floodwaters, " Mr Om Prakash revealed. "Even snakes and rats are seeking refuge on trees, highlighting the gravity of the situation and the high risk of disease outbreaks, " he disclosed. "A youth in Gaggar village in Ramdas died due to a snake bite when he went inside his house to check on the family's belongings, " said Mr Daniel B Das.
The diocese has established shelters at Dit Memorial Resource Centre in Amritsar and Baring School in Ajnala, providing a safe haven for those displaced by the floods, in case the need arises. It also plans to hold medical camps in the affected areas to address the looming threat of disease outbreaks. "We're assessing the government's medical relief operations and will align our efforts accordingly, distributing medical kits prepared in line with government recommendations, " Mr Om Prakash said.
Behind this remarkable endeavour is the dedication of volunteers from local churches, who are cooking and serving langar to flood victims. "We're working closely with government departments and local authorities to ensure a coordinated response, " said the Right Reverend Manoj Charan, Bishop of the Diocese of Amritsar, CNI. "The Diocese's efforts are a beacon of hope for the people of Amritsar, who are struggling to cope with the devastating impact of the floods. The water is high at the moment. So is the enthusiasm of all the organizations involved in relief and rescue operations. However, there will come a time when the flood will abate, and so will the rescuers' enthusiasm. That's when the diocese plans on continuing to help the affected masses, " added Mr Daniel B Das. "We remain steadfast in our commitment to serving those in need, " he added.