Punjab Floods 2019

Punjab floods

August 2019, major floods occurred in several districts in Punjab. The Indian Meteorological Department had presented a report which stated that about 270 mm of rain fell in 24 hours in areas such as Nawanshahr and Balachaur, which are two districts fairly close to each other. The floods had occurred because of the excess rain and the release of water from the Bhakra Nangal Dam, which is located in the state of Himachal Pradesh.

The impact of the flooding was incredibly severe with acres of damaged crops, the death of many farm animals, and the spike of numerous health risks as a result of these rotting farm animals contaminating the already polluted water within the area. The total loss of infrastructures such as roads, buildings, bridges and much more were estimated to be about 1.2 crores ($214970.28 CAD). By the end of August 2019, over 300 villages had been affected by the floods.

Supporting the communities hardest hit by the floods became a priority for SAF International. We collaborated with numerous Gurdwaras in British Columbia including Gurdwara Sahib Sukh Sagar, Guru Nanak Sikh Temple, and Dashmesh Darbar. Collectively, the Gurdwaras helped raise $78,000.

In 2019, We Spent $85,756 on our Punjab flood relief efforts, which helped us provide groceries to over 1500 families impacted by the flooding.

Our Efforts by the Numbers

Food and Rations

$65,000

Reconstruction

$16,256

Medical Supplies

$2380

Admin and Fuel Expenses

$2120

Incredible Sevadars

In the wake of the flooding, the people of Punjab really came together to help one another. We received help from 50 villages with over 490 sevadars making up 2300+ hours of seva.

The volunteers helped collect and distribute dry food donations to stranded families, and they helped to repackage rations for delivery too. Additionally, the local volunteers delivered over 150 mattresses to an impoverished Muslim community in the area of Ropar. This community, unfortunately, had many homes destroyed in the flooding, leaving many residents with no bedding of any kind.

In Sultanpur Lodhi, there was a medical aid camp set up that included four volunteer doctors working 12-hour shifts and caring for roughly 150 patients on a daily basis.

We built three houses that were completely damaged by the floods. Additionally, we’re also working to ensure children impacted by the floods are still able to receive a quality education.