Prime Minister Narendra Modi kicked off a crucial visit to Himachal Pradesh and Punjab on Tuesday to check on the flood and landslide victims in these northern states. The PM made it clear his government is right there with everyone hit hard by the recent disasters, standing shoulder-to-shoulder during this tough time.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Modi shared, “Leaving for Himachal Pradesh and Punjab to review the situation in the wake of floods and landslides. The Government of India stands shoulder to shoulder with those affected in this tragic hour.” This trip comes after severe monsoon rains triggered devastating floods and landslides, causing widespread damage across both states.
Modi landed in Kangra, Himachal Pradesh, around 1:30 p.m. He wasted no time, meeting with officials and leading a high-level review meeting to discuss the ongoing disaster response and rehabilitation efforts. The PM also plans to chat with families affected by the floods, plus members of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), and Aapda Mitra teams who are working tirelessly on relief operations.
One of the most heart-touching meetings will be with Neetika, an 11-month-old girl who miraculously survived a deadly flash flood in Talwara village, Gohar sub-division of Mandi district. The cloudburst hit on the night of June 30-July 1, sweeping away her entire family. The Himachal Pradesh government has stepped up, declaring her a “child of the state” and promising full support for her upbringing, education, and future.
Modi will also connect with other survivors sharing their heartbreaking stories. There’s Mukesh from Thunag village in Mandi district, who lost his parents, wife, and child. Inder Singh from Nachan, who tragically lost his wife and three daughters in a landslide. And Krishna from Mandi town, who endured the loss of two sons, a daughter-in-law, and a grandson. These interactions highlight the human side of the Himachal Pradesh floods and landslides crisis.
After wrapping up in Himachal, Modi heads to Punjab for an aerial survey of flood-affected areas starting around 3 p.m. He’ll touch down in Gurdaspur by 4:15 p.m., where he’ll huddle with senior officials, hold another review meeting, and meet flood survivors along with NDRF, SDRF, and Aapda Mitra team members. This visit underscores the government’s commitment to Punjab flood relief and recovery.
As India grapples with these monsoon disasters, Modi’s on-ground assessment aims to boost relief measures and support for all those rebuilding their lives.
