Hundreds shoot video, click pictures of flooded river

Tribune News Service

Ludhiana, August 19

Though many were worried about swollen Sutlej river, hundreds of people visited the area just to see the flooded river. Instead of offering help to worried villagers many people were seen making videos and clicking photos of the flooded river while others appeared live on the Facebook. 

Kasabad village turned into a fair ground as many people reached there with families and friends to make videos and shoot photos of the river. The stretch leading to the river bank at Kasabad witnessed traffic snarls.

A villager Parkash Singh said, “We appeal to the people not to rush to river banks. We are facing a serious situation for the past three days. If someone wants, then he/she can come forward to extend help to villagers in the affected areas.”

Besides, many people visited the Sutlej bridge near Ladhowal toll plaza. They parked their vehicles on the bridge while some were seen taking selfies and shooting videos for sharing on social media.

Heavy rush of outsiders was also witnessed on the stretch leading to Bholewal Qadim village where the river breached in the wee hours. 

Villagers were forced to set up barricades to stop visitors from moving ahead to avoid any obstruction in rescue operations. A villager said, “Tractor-trailers are passing through the stretch, but many people have parked their vehicles on the road. They have nothing to do with the affected areas. They should keep away from roads to avoid obstruction in the ongoing rescue operation.