Punjab floods toll rises to 46, losses reach Rs 14,000 crore
Forty-six people have died in Punjab over the past month as the state faces its worst floods in nearly four decades, PTI reported.
The toll increased to 46 after three more deaths were reported, The Indian Express quoted a daily flood bulletin as saying on Saturday. The data covers the period between August 1 and September 6.
The state government has reportedly estimated losses from the floods at Rs 14,000 crore.
According to the bulletin, crops on 1.75 lakh hectares have been damaged and more than 3.87 lakh people in 1,996 villages have been affected.
Punjab has sought immediate funds from the National Disaster Relief Fund, The Indian Express reported.
Rescue and relief operations are underway, involving the National Disaster Response Force, Indian Army, Border Security Force, Punjab Police and district authorities, unidentified officials told PTI.
State Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema said that relentless rainfall in Punjab and neighbouring hill states over the past month has caused widespread devastation, affecting nearly 2,000 villages across all districts.
He added that about 200 relief camps have been set up, sheltering more than 7,000 displaced persons.
The Aam Aadmi Party leader also said there was a need for accountability and support from the Bharatiya Janata Party-led Union government.
He added that the crisis in Punjab requires a collaborative response rather than “political opportunism,” PTI reported.
Heavy rainfall has also...
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