Overview

• Authorities report more than 3.87 lakh people affected across 1,996 villages, with crop losses spanning about 1.74–1.75 lakh hectares in 18 districts.
• Rescue operations have evacuated over 22,800 people, with 23 NDRF teams, 27 Army columns, BSF units and IAF helicopters supporting hundreds of relief camps.
• Modi’s visit was confirmed by officials for September 9 to review the situation and meet affected families, including in Gurdaspur according to BJP leaders.
• Two inter-ministerial teams that toured worst-hit districts are submitting findings to the Centre, which says it stands with Punjab as aid decisions are finalized.
• Politics intensified as Congress’ Bhupesh Baghel and AAP’s Harpal Singh Cheema accused the Centre of delay, even as Haryana and Delhi announced assistance and Amritsar ordered schools shut on September 8 for safety checks.