Floods devastating then disastrous now, but kindness still prevails  

Watching the devastating flood scenes unfold in Punjab today took me back to the terrifying floods in Patiala in 1993 — a time etched deeply in my memory.

We were living on the second floor of the railway colony when the floods alert came. At first, it was just heavy rain, but soon panic spread as the water began to rise. Ground floor residents scrambled to elevate their belongings, stacking bricks beneath furniture in a desperate attempt to save them. But nature had other plans — the water rose swiftly, reaching nearly six feet in no time.

Those of us on the upper floors opened our doors to provide shelter to those impacted. It was a heart-wrenching sight to see families from nearby single-story homes, balancing bundles of daily essentials on their heads, trudging through chest-deep water toward the railway tracks — the only slightly elevated ground in sight.

With no electricity, phones and dwindling food supplies, the nights were pitch dark and heavy with uncertainty. Newspaper headlines showed images of a marooned Patiala, creating greater panic among relatives and friends outside the city, worried about our safety.

Then, on the third day, came a moment of divine grace — villagers from surrounding areas arrived barefoot, carrying baskets of rotis, dal and milk on their heads. Calling compassionately, they urged everyone to partake langar, saying, “Please don’t hesitate. This is Guru ka Prasad.” In that moment, we truly believed — God lives in the villages.

Although the property losses were massive, we were grateful that no lives were lost. That kindness and unity gave us strength.

Today, as history repeats itself, my heart aches for those enduring the same horror. Let us pray for their safety — and more importantly, let us act. It's time to stand together, once again.

Gurvinder Pal Singh, Mohali