Army called in for rescue operations in flood-hit Punjab

CHANDIGARH: Army has been called in for rescue operations in the flood-affected areas along the Sutlej River in Punjab.

Nearly 40 villages near Shahkot Lohian in Jallandhar District have submerged due to 150-feet breach in its embankments.
About 400 marooned families have been taken to safer places. The breach is being plugged on war-footing.

Due to release of more water from Bhakara Nagal Dam into the river, the bundh around the river was washed away. About 5000 acres of paddy crops have been totally damaged, official sources said.

Besides the help of Army and Police, the cooperation of NGOs and religious organisations have been sought to deal with the situation.

The district administration has assured that very soon the situation would be brought under control and the people relocated to safe places.

Meanwhile, Pakistan authorities are reported to have lodged a strong complaint with their Indian counterparts over the release of flood waters from the Sutlej River, claiming that this has damaged considerable swathes of farmland in West Punjab.

Heavy monsoon rain in Himachal Pradesh has contributed to the rising water level in rivulets and dams.