Tragedy in floods: Farmer ferries mother’s body to home by boat

In a heart-wrenching incident, tragedy struck twice at the home of Satnam Singh, a farmer from Sangra village, as devastating floods first destroyed his entire paddy crop and then he lost his mother.

The family, overwhelmed by the loss and trapped by floodwaters, was left with no option, but to perform mother’s cremation in the courtyard of their house.

“She was shattered after seeing our fields under floodwater,” said Satnam Singh in a choked voice. “Our entire crop has been wiped out. On September 17th, my mother’s health deteriorated suddenly. We rushed her to a hospital by boat around 3 pm. She suffered a heart attack and didn’t survive,” he said.

Even bringing Gurnam Kaur’s body back home was an ordeal. “We returned at 10 pm that night — again by boat,” he said.

“With the village cremation ground completely submerged, we were forced to cremate her right in the courtyard on September 18,” said a shaken Satnam Singh.

Dry woods for the cremation had to be ferried from a saw mill in Sultanpur Lodhi — the only access route being boats. Many relatives couldn’t attend the last rites. “Some came, struggling through the water. Others just couldn’t make it,” said Satnam Singh.

The emotional burden weighs heavy not just on Satnam Singh. Village numberdar Kuldeep Singh Sangra said, “Every day we step into that courtyard. We all will be reminded about Satnam Singh’s mother’s cremation here.”

Village sarpanch Gurjit Kaur Sangra said the decision for the cremation at home was taken collectively. “The cremation ground is still underwater. Given the situation, villagers came together and supported the family’s difficult choice. Right now, the village is accessible only by boat,” she said.

Satnam Singh’s father Gajjan Singh is already ailing. His health further deteriorated after the loss.

Rajya Sabha MP Balbir Singh Seechewal, who has been monitoring the situation, told The Tribune, “Since not many can reach the house due to floodwaters, the kirtan will be held for the peace of the departed soul in Sultanpur Lodhi after bhog on September 26. Relatives will be called there,” he said.