Rahul Gandhi urges PM Modi to announce special relief package for Punjab and other flood-affected states

He further said that “in such difficult times, your attention and the active help of the central government are extremely necessary”.

“Thousands of families are struggling to save their homes, lives, and loved ones,” said Gandhi.

“I urge that an immediate announcement be made for a special relief package for these states, especially for the farmers, and that relief and rescue operations be expedited,” he added.

He also urged Congress leaders and workers to focus on relief works. “This is your responsibility. We must unite to support the people of Punjab,” he said.

As widespread rain continued to impact several states Wednesday, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a ‘red alert’ for Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Odisha and parts of Punjab.

The Punjab government Tuesday declared all 23 districts flood-hit and said the deluge had claimed 30 lives and impacted over 3.5 lakh people. Dam reservoirs continued to remain full to the brim while the rivers were flowing near the danger mark, leading to alerts in several districts.

The state government Wednesday extended the closure of schools and colleges until September 7 due to the floods. Schools in Punjab had been closed since August 27 due to heavy rain, and the government announced the closure of colleges and universities Tuesday.