PHAGWARA: Rescue and relief operations are underway on a war footing in Sultanpur Lodhi, where the Beas river continues to flow at a dangerously high level, inundating several villages. Deputy Commissioner Amit Kumar Panchal said that due to heavy rainfall and rising waters, residents of the Mand region were urged to relocate to safer areas.
Teams of the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) have so far evacuated more than 45 people, most of them women and children, from villages including Baupur Jadid, Baupur Kadim, Sangra, Rampur Gora, Mand Bhim Kadim, Mand Bandhu Jadid, and Muhammadabad. SDRF Commander Inspector Deepak confirmed that along with rescuing villagers, the teams are also retrieving essential household belongings. Panchal appealed to residents to seek help when needed through the district-level control room at 01822-231990, the Sultanpur Lodhi subdivision flood control room at 01828-222169, or the Bhulath subdivision helpline at 01822-271829.
Meanwhile, in a separate incident, the administration acted swiftly after the roof of an elderly woman’s house collapsed in Ucha Dhodha village of Kapurthala following incessant rainfall. Taking immediate notice of media reports, Deputy Commissioner Panchal directed officials to extend urgent relief to the victim, Bibi Taro. Assistant Commissioner General Vishal Vats and Red Cross Secretary R.C. Birha personally delivered essential supplies, including ration and utensils, and assured her that the roof would be reconstructed without delay.