Chandigarh: Based on the requisition received from the civil administration of Punjab and Haryana, the Flood Relief columns of Western Command have been mobilized to assist the civil administration in rescue and evacuation efforts in the flood affected areas.

Immediately on the receipt of the requisition for provision of rescue and relief measures, the flood relief reconnaissance party were dispatched to the affected areas of Rupnagar, Mohali and Panchkula.

After assessing the situation on ground, the rescue and relief columns reached the affected areas. The rescue team along with the Army Engineer detachments worked through out the night to evacuate the stranded people and helped to prevent breaching of canals by the flood waters. 

Approximately 50 civilians and 910 students of Chitkara University stranded by the flood waters were evacuated to safe locations. At Araji Sabran village of Ferozepur district, 44 persons, including women and children were evacuated from the affected areas to safe locations.

In a major effort, the troops of Army engineers helped in preventing the breach of Sirhind canal by repairing the embankment, thereby preventing the flooding of Doraha village and nearby areas.

The Army is closely monitoring the situation in coordination with the civil administration and all the stakeholders. Army is continuing to provide all assistance to help mitigate the hardship being faced by the citizens in affected areas. /BI/