Everything is gone': Punjabi farmers suffer worst floods in three decades

"For days, farmers in the Indian state of Punjab watched the pounding monsoon rains fall and the rivers rise with mounting apprehension. By Wednesday, many woke to find their fears realised as the worst floods in more than three decades ravaged their farms and decimated their livelihoods. Hundreds of thousands of acres of bright green rice paddies due to be harvested imminently as well as crops of cotton and sugar cane were left destroyed"

"The crops are ruined, and even our homes are in danger of collapsing, said Parmpreet Singh, 52, a farmer from Ajnala in Amritsar district, Punjab. His family, including his elderly mother and two young children, were now living on the roof of their house to stay safe from the murky flood waters. My entire livelihood depends on my seven hectares of farmland, all of which has been destroyed by flood waters, he said,"

"While monsoon season usually brings heavy rain, the extreme levels of rainfall that fell across northern India this week caused untold damage in Punjab, resulting in flash floods and swollen rivers breaching their banks and overflowing into fields and villages. So far, 43 people have lost their lives and almost 2,000 villages in the state have been affected, leaving hundreds of thousands of people without electricity and access to clean water. The stench of rotting animal carcasses hangs over many villages."

Punjab experienced its worst floods in more than three decades after extreme monsoon rains triggered flash floods and rivers breaching their banks. Hundreds of thousands of acres of rice paddies, cotton and sugar cane were submerged under more than five feet of muddy water, destroying imminent harvests. At least 43 people died and almost 2,000 villages were affected, leaving hundreds of thousands without electricity or access to clean water. Drowned cattle carcasses and the stench of rotting animals afflicted many communities. Families evacuated to rooftops to stay safe. Many farmers face total loss of investments, forced land sales and abandonment of farming.

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