Chandigarh, Sept 9: Prime Minister Narendra Modi began a crucial visit to flood-affected regions of Punjab and Himachal Pradesh today to assess the widespread damage caused by recent floods.
Arriving at Pathankot Airbase from Delhi, he proceeded by helicopter to conduct an aerial survey of the hardest-hit areas in Himachal Pradesh, including Kullu, Mandi, and Chamba.
The visit was briefly overshadowed by a bomb threat received via email by the principal of Nerchowk Medical College in Mandi, Dr DK Verma. Authorities swiftly evacuated the hospital, relocating approximately 300 patients to safety, and a police search operation is underway to secure the premises.
In Dharamshala, PM Modi will lead a high-level meeting to review the disaster’s impact, with a detailed presentation on the damage. Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, who inspected preparations, will attend.
At 4 pm, the Prime Minister will meet flood victims in Tibbri, Gurdaspur, to address their concerns.
Punjab’s AAP government has sought Rs 80,000 crore in relief from the Centre, while Himachal has requested a special aid package. Punjab AAP president Aman Arora expressed hope for support, noting the Prime Minister’s earlier “silence” on Punjab crisis.
On September 5, union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan visited Amritsar, Gurdaspur, and Kapurthala, promising aid to affected communities.
