Flooding in the Ravi River in Punjab has devastated areas along the India-Pakistan border. 30 kilometers of border fencing have been washed away, and several BSF outposts have submerged. Thousands of people and cattle have been safely evacuated, and relief operations are ongoing.
Chandigarh: The surge in the Ravi River is wreaking havoc in several districts of Punjab's border areas. The b current has washed away approximately 30 kilometers of iron fencing along the India-Pakistan border, and several security outposts have gone underwater.
Dozens of embankments have breached in Gurdaspur, Amritsar, and Pathankot districts due to the floods. The BSF and local administration have immediately commenced relief and rescue operations in the affected areas. According to officials, all personnel and security equipment are safe, but the situation remains critical.
30-40 Outposts Submerged in Gurdaspur
A.K. Vidyarthi, DIG of BSF Punjab Frontier, confirmed that approximately 30 to 40 outposts in Gurdaspur have been submerged, and all personnel and equipment have been safely evacuated from them.
Approximately 30 kilometers of border fencing in the Amritsar, Gurdaspur, and Firozpur sectors have suffered extensive damage. Despite this, BSF personnel are continuously engaged in patrolling and relief efforts.
Pakistan Rangers Also Vacated Their Outposts
In pictures that went viral on social media, a family from the Shahzada village in Amritsar was seen taking refuge at the BSF's Kamalpur outpost. BSF personnel had to evacuate the outpost due to rising water levels.
The prominent BSF post located near the Kartarpur Corridor also went underwater. Following this, personnel took shelter at Gurdwara Dera Baba Nanak Sahib. The Ravi River has caused flooding on both sides of the zero line, forcing Pakistan Rangers to also vacate their outposts.
Embankments Damaged in Amritsar and Pathankot
The Gurdaspur Irrigation Department reported that embankments have breached at 28 locations in the district. Amritsar has cracks at 10-12 places, while in Pathankot, a one to two-kilometer-long embankment has been completely washed away.
In some places, the gaps created by the water are 500 to 1000 feet wide. This includes the area near Kartarpur Sahib. Despite the floods, the BSF continued patrolling, and in an attempt to exploit the chaos, a smuggler was apprehended.
Relief and Rescue Operations Underway
The BSF and local administration have evacuated 1,500 people in Firozpur and over a thousand villagers in Abohar to safety. Medical and veterinary camps are being conducted daily to ensure the care of diseases arising from floodwaters and to look after livestock.
A BSF spokesperson stated that a smuggler was also apprehended while attempting to take advantage of the chaotic situation. Jawans remain steadfast in the flood-affected areas to ensure relief operations and security.
