Ambala dist faces flood-like situation, one electrocuted

Tribune News Service

Ambala, July 15

A flood-like situation prevailed in several parts of the district following incessant rains for the past seven days. With low-lying areas submerging under knee-deep water, normal life was thrown out of gear while people were left to fend for themselves. 

A 30-year-old local resident was electrocuted while draining out rainwater from his house on Sunday.

The rain that started on last Tuesday morning continued till Sunday night, inundating parts of the twin towns — Ambala City and Cantonment — and several villages. This exposed the sorry state of drainage system in the district with a majority of roads, intersections and crossings turning into virtual pools of water.

Several police stations, posts, schools, health institutions and government offices remained out of bounds.

Health Minister Anil Vij took stock of the situation at a meeting held at his residence here on Monday, directing the civic and police authorities to ensure round-the-clock relief and rescue operations in flooded areas.

To avert any possible loss of life and property due to the flood-like situation, the minister asked officials to remain stationed in their headquarters and monitor the situation.

Vij asked the district administration to conduct a survey of flooded areas and help out affected residents.

Manwhile, a death was reported from Shalimar Colony here on Sunday. Puneet (30), an insurance agent, was electrocuted while draining out rainwater from his house with the help of a booster pump. 

“As he was operating the booster pump to drain out water, he came in contact with an inverter and got electrocuted,” a member of Puneet’s family said, adding he was rushed to the local Civil Hospital, where the doctors declared him dead on arrival.

The district authorities claimed the situation was under control as water had started receding on Monday, the rain did not pour. “Arrangements are being made to provide affected people with drinking water and other relief material,” an official said.