Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to visit Himachal Pradesh and Punjab on Tuesday, September 9, to personally review the devastation caused by recent floods and landslides. His visit comes at a critical time when both states are grappling with severe loss of life, widespread damage to property, and extensive disruption of normal life due to heavy monsoon rains. Officials have confirmed that the Prime Minister will begin his journey from Delhi around noon and will first arrive at the Pathankot Airbase, from where he will head to Kangra in Himachal Pradesh. There, he will undertake an aerial survey of the worst-affected regions, giving him a comprehensive view of the extent of destruction caused by flash floods, landslides, and cloudbursts.
During his stop in Himachal Pradesh, the Prime Minister will not only interact with residents who have been severely impacted by the natural calamity but will also chair a high-level review meeting with state authorities. In addition, he will meet personnel from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), and Aapda Mitra teams, all of whom have been tirelessly working to provide rescue, relief, and rehabilitation services. His engagement with both citizens and frontline workers is expected to give him firsthand insights into the challenges faced on the ground and the effectiveness of the ongoing response operations.
After completing his review in Himachal Pradesh, Prime Minister Modi will proceed to Punjab, where the flood situation remains equally grim. Around 3 pm, he will conduct an aerial survey of the flood-hit districts before landing at the Tibri Army Station in Gurdaspur at approximately 4:15 pm. There, he is scheduled to meet senior civil and military officials to assess the extent of damage and to discuss strategies for accelerating relief and recovery measures. He will also hold direct interactions with affected citizens and relief teams, ensuring that the concerns of local communities are brought to the forefront.
Punjab is currently enduring one of the most devastating floods in decades, with the official death toll climbing to 46 as of Saturday. Vast stretches of farmland have been destroyed, with crops across nearly 1.75 lakh hectares submerged, threatening the livelihood of thousands of farmers. The floods have been caused by swollen rivers such as the Sutlej, Beas, and Ravi, along with several rivulets, which have all overflowed after heavy rains lashed their upstream catchments in Himachal Pradesh and Jammu & Kashmir. This large-scale flooding has not only uprooted families but has also left significant portions of the state’s agrarian economy in ruins.
Meanwhile, the situation in Himachal Pradesh has been equally catastrophic, with official estimates putting the total losses at around Rs 4,122 crore since June 20. The monsoon rains have triggered an alarming number of cloudbursts, landslides, and flash floods, resulting in the deaths of 370 people. Out of these, 205 lost their lives in rain-related incidents, including 43 from landslides, 17 from cloudbursts, and 9 from flash floods. Additionally, 165 people have died in road accidents, and 41 others remain missing. The relentless rains have also destroyed homes, shops, and infrastructure, with over 6,300 houses and 461 commercial establishments damaged. Data from the State Emergency Operation Centre reveals that Himachal has recorded 136 major landslides, 95 flash floods, and 45 cloudbursts in this monsoon season alone.
By undertaking this visit, Prime Minister Modi aims to send a strong message of solidarity with the people of Himachal Pradesh and Punjab while also ensuring that relief and rehabilitation measures are fast-tracked. His aerial surveys and direct meetings with stakeholders will play a vital role in shaping the central government’s response and in determining the additional support that may be required to help both states recover from one of the worst monsoon seasons in recent memory.
