3 months after flood, aid continues to pour in for affected villages

Three months after the devastating floods swept through several villages in Sultanpur Lodhi, hope continues to flow in the form of relentless support and compassion from across the country. What once seemed like an impossible restart for the affected families has turned into a story of solidarity and resilience.

From clothes, ration and stationery for children to monetary help, cycles, and even fuel, aid has poured in from people across Punjab and neighbouring states that conveyed about the generosity and humanity that emerged in the face of disaster.

Today, a group of good Samaritans from Haryana donated Rs 5 lakh to the panchayat of Aahli Kalan village. Rashpal Singh, a farmer leader from the village, said the contribution will be used to purchase diesel and DAP fertiliser needed for wheat sowing.

“For a few days, donations had slowed down, but they’ve started coming in again,” he said, expressing gratitude for the continuous flow of help.

Assistance has also arrived from Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Himachal Pradesh, offering both material relief and moral support to the flood-hit families.

Earlier, following a breach in the temporary embankment (bundh) near the village, residents had come together to run a 24×7 langar (community kitchen) right at the repair site. Volunteers ensured that workers and villagers engaged in plugging the breach were fed round the clock. To streamline the repair efforts, a tent equipped with essential supplies and a trolley loaded with ingredients was also stationed at the site.

Village sarpanch Shaminder Singh said he had never witnessed such an overwhelming compassion in his life.

"There was a flood that destroyed lives, and then came a flood of do-gooders who didn’t stop helping us. It makes me emotional,” he said. “People from every community came forward — it was truly heartwarming.”

He added that the funds being received now will go toward assisting families still struggling to rebuild their homes and livelihoods.

The panchayats of Aahli Kalan and Aahli Khurd have been at the forefront of relief coordination, managing food distribution, supplies, and manpower. Young volunteers from across Punjab and other states also joined in, bringing tractors, diesel, and heartfelt donations to support the affected villagers.

Even months after the floods, the spirit of unity and compassion remains unwavering, a reminder that in times of crisis, humanity often rises above all else.