Chandigarh: August 08 :Due to unusually heavy rains in Punjab in the last few days the water level in River Sutluj and other rivers rose well above the danger level. There were number breaches in the anti flood bunds astride River Sutluj in Jalandhar, Moga and Ferozepur Districts.
The breaches occured on the night of 15/16 August 2008. The intensity of the flooding was so high that quickly the low lying villages were submerged.The civil administration requisitioned the assistance of the Armed Forces for flood relief operations. The Army columns of Vajra Corps located at Jalandhar, Ferozepur and Kapurthala were immediately dispatched to the affected areas. Total of 10 columns were mobilized for the flood relief. These columns were dispatched to the following areas:-
(a) Village Mandandrisa, District Kapurthala – one column
(b) Village Mandhala, Dist Jalandhar – Two columns
(c) Village Sunghera, District Moga – Four columns
(d) Village Bhagewala, Distrist Ferozepur – Three columns
By early in the morning of 16 August 2008, the Army columns were effective at the site and rendering aid to the civil authorities as well as bringing relief and succor to the marooned civilians. Motorised boats of the Army were pressed into service and by evening, close to a hundred civilians including women and children were rescued and brought to safe high grounds. Cattle of the peasants was also rescued and taken to safe areas. In addition, essential commodities including food and medicine were distributed to the civilians.
The disaster at these villages was expeditiously addressed and precious lives were saved due to the quick response by the Army columns and excellent coordination between the Army and the civil administration.