Flood Damage – News Analysis India

Rahul Gandhi Visits Flood-Affected Areas in Punjab

News Analysis India — Mon, 15 Sep 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Rahul Gandhi, a leader of the Congress party, visited Punjab on Monday to assess the damage caused by the recent floods. He began his tour in Amritsar, visiting the flood-affected areas. He then proceeded to Ghonewal village in Ajnala to meet with those impacted by the floods and evaluate the extent of the damage. Ghonewal is one of several villages in Ajnala severely affected by the floodwaters. Following this, Gandhi traveled to a flood-hit village in Gurdaspur by tractor. He also paid his respects at Gurdwara Sri Samadh Baba Buddha Ji Sahib, where he offered prayers for the peace and well-being of the region. Accompanying him were the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, along with other prominent Congress figures including the Punjab Congress chief, the Leader of the Opposition in the Assembly, and the Member of Parliament from Amritsar.

Pakistan’s Defense Minister Blames Government for Flood Devastation, Defends India

News Analysis India — Fri, 29 Aug 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Pakistan’s Defense Minister, Khawaja Asif, has openly criticized his own government’s handling of the recent floods, stating that the nation bears responsibility for the devastation. He absolved India of any blame, emphasizing that the floods are a consequence of governmental negligence and mismanagement. Asif elaborated on how the government’s errors led to the disastrous flooding, speaking during an interview with a local Pakistani TV channel. He highlighted that only a fraction of the allocated funds for flood prevention had been utilized. Furthermore, Asif defended India, acknowledging the potential for strained relations but underscoring that the control of water flow is beyond anyone’s grasp. He clarified that India’s actions, such as opening the gates of the Salal Dam, contributed to the overflow of water in Pakistan, yet the core issue lies within Pakistan’s internal shortcomings.

Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann Establishes High-Level Committee to Oversee Flood Relief Efforts

News Analysis India — Fri, 29 Aug 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Punjab’s Chief Minister, Bhagwant Singh Mann, has formed a high-powered committee comprising three senior state officers to directly oversee relief and rescue operations in the districts affected by the recent floods. This committee, composed of officers from the Revenue, Water Resources, and Food and Civil Supplies departments, will be permanently stationed in Amritsar and other affected areas. The Chief Minister has instructed Deputy Commissioners and other officials to fully implement the committee’s directives to assist those impacted by the floods. Mann emphasized the government’s commitment to supporting the affected populace and ensuring all necessary measures are taken. He also tasked the Chief Secretary with visiting the flooded regions to enhance the effectiveness of relief and rescue efforts. The aim is to accelerate relief operations, providing substantial support to the affected individuals. High water levels from the hilly regions have caused significant damage, with the Ravi River receiving an unprecedented 14.11 lakh cusec of water – exceeding the 11.20 lakh cusec received during the severe floods of 1988. The state has contacted Haryana and Rajasthan, requesting they divert excess water from the rivers. The Indian Army and 17 NDRF teams are actively involved in rescue operations, supported by advanced equipment. Ongoing efforts include evacuating stranded individuals, assessing damage, and preventing disease outbreaks across the flood-stricken areas. A multi-departmental workforce is working to complete relief and rescue tasks, plugging breaches in flooded rivers. Medical teams are on-site to provide preventive care, including water sampling, spraying, chlorination, and disease detection. The government is ensuring the availability of clean drinking water, essential supplies, and medical assistance. Pumping operations are underway to clear inundated areas. Surveys are being conducted to assess damage to infrastructure. Mobile medical units will be deployed to offer health services, and specialized teams will tackle dengue larva and educate the public on disease prevention. Veterinary teams will provide care for affected livestock, and a comprehensive sanitation drive, including fogging and professional cleaning, is planned to mitigate the spread of waterborne diseases.

Odisha Faces Severe Flooding as Rivers Breach Danger Levels; Thousands Affected

News Analysis India — Tue, 01 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Northern Odisha is experiencing a grim flood situation due to continuous heavy rainfall, particularly in Balasore and Mayurbhanj districts. The Subarnarekha River has surpassed the danger mark at Rajghat, with water levels reaching 10.83 meters. This has led to the inundation of over 30 villages in the Bhograi block of Balasore, disrupting daily life, damaging property, and affecting crops. The Jalaka river is also near the danger level. Over 2,900 people have been evacuated, and 46 panchayats are impacted. Mayurbhanj is also facing widespread flooding with hundreds of houses damaged. Additionally, heavy rains in Sundargarh district have disrupted life, cutting off communication between several areas. The Brahmani River is also swelling, posing a threat to nearby villages.