Although the monsoon season brings troubles for everyone every year, the geographical situation in North India makes nature even more devastating. Punjab’s borders are adjacent to the hilly states of Jammu and Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh. The rivers Ravi, Satluj, and Beas, originating from these regions, reach Punjab and take on a ferocious form, especially during the rainy season. 
Additionally, some seasonal rivers and streams originating in the Shivalik hills become the cause of floods during this season due to excessive rainfall. In 1988, Punjab faced the brunt of floods, but this time, the tragedy is far more severe. Floods have severely affected large parts of Punjab. Nine districts of Punjab have been badly hit by this disaster. More than a dozen people have lost their lives due to the floods.
 Hundreds of homes have been destroyed. Countless voiceless animals have perished. Lakhs of acres of crops have been completely ruined. Roads, bridges, and other infrastructure have been damaged to a great extent. Many people are still missing, and their whereabouts remain unknown. Thousands of people are spending their days on the roofs of their homes, in religious places, or in relief camps.
The people of Punjab are known worldwide for their large-heartedness. Today, Punjab is going through an extremely difficult situation. However, it is a matter of gratitude that the people of this state are coming forward to help the flood victims to the best of their abilities. All political parties, non-governmental organizations, and religious institutions are working day and night to deliver relief materials to those in need. 
Punjabi singers and artists are contributing generously. Some singers and artists have set up relief camps. Artists who empathize with the pain of the people are personally visiting flood-affected areas to look after the victims. They are providing boats to deliver essential supplies and provisions to those in need.
In the affected areas of Ajnala, Fazilka, and Ramdas, there was an urgent need for a boat, costing approximately three and a half lakh rupees. Singers quickly collected the funds and airlifted a six-seater boat. This boat can carry up to six quintals of weight. Volunteers are now using this boat to distribute rations in flood-affected villages. Non-resident Indians are also actively engaged in this challenging time, providing relief to needy families and working to save lives and property. They are delivering food supplies and fodder for animals. They are rescuing the sick, weak, elderly, women, and children from the water and taking them to safe places.
 In many affected areas, people reported that water levels in their villages, homes, and neighborhoods have reached 5 to 6 feet, forcing them to spend nights on the roofs of their homes. The residents of severely affected villages have faced significant losses. Their household items, electronics, and other belongings have been extensively damaged. The most affected districts include Gurdaspur, Pathankot, Fazilka, Kapurthala, Tarn Taran, Firozpur, Hoshiarpur, and Amritsar.
If we talk about the aftermath of the floods, it may take years to recover from this damage. Rebuilding the destroyed infrastructure, private properties, businesses, and crops will require a significant amount of time. Public services have also been affected. Water, electricity, and communication systems have been severely damaged. Fertile land has been covered with sand and silt, making it a major challenge to restore it for cultivation. 
Collapsed homes, broken roads, and buildings will need to be reconstructed. The rehabilitation of those who have been rendered homeless is a pressing need, posing significant questions for the government. The people, especially Punjabis, are stepping up to help those in need with their characteristic generosity. It is hoped that Punjab will soon overcome this tragedy and return to the path of progress.

Davinder Kumar