Haryana launches helpline for flood victims

CHANDIGARH - Haryana Wednesday launched a helpline in Ambala district, where incessant rainfall in the last three days has led to a “flood-like situation”.

“Besides helpline number 0171-2530401, people can also contact the Ambala deputy commissioner’s residence at 0171-2552200 and 2552201. Concerned divisional development and panchayat (council) officers and the tehsildar (revenue officer) can also be contacted,” said a government spokesperson.

“The district administration is making all out efforts to drain out water from water logged areas. We have also requested people to remain patient and help the administration in relief operations,” he said.

“Due to heavy rains during the last three days in Ambala and overflowing of Tangri river, a flood-like situation has been created in the district,” he said.

The official, however, said that rail and road traffic is slowly returning to normal in the district.

“We are expecting things to improve by this (Tuesday) evening,” G.M. Singh, commercial manager of Northern Railways, Ambala division, told IANS.

Ambala, which is around 45 km from state capital Chandigarh, had received nearly 600 mm of rainfall in the last three days.

“Official machinery has been fully mobilised and all national and state highways and major district roads are functional,” said Mahesh Kumar, engineer-in-chief of Haryana Public Works Department.

“All officials have been put on alert. The roads which are affected by floods would be repaired within 15 days of the water receding,” Kumar said.