Four agonizing months have passed since catastrophic floods ravaged Punjab, yet the haunting reality of displacement continues for two sisters in Sultanpur Lodhi. Baljit Kaur and her sister, whose home was completely destroyed by the raging waters, now call a makeshift field shack their only shelter.
From Home to Homelessness
The devastating floods that struck Punjab in July 2023 left a trail of destruction across multiple districts, with Sultanpur Lodhi being among the worst affected areas. Baljit Kaur and her sister watched helplessly as their family home collapsed into the floodwaters, taking with it their lifetime of memories and possessions.
"We lost everything in minutes," recounts Baljit, her voice trembling with emotion. "The water came so suddenly and with such force that we barely escaped with our lives. Our home, our belongings, our entire world washed away before our eyes."
Life in a Makeshift Shelter
Their current living situation paints a stark picture of the ongoing rehabilitation challenges. The temporary structure they now inhabit lacks basic amenities and protection from the elements. During scorching daytime hours, the metal sheets turn the shack into an oven, while cold nights bring shivering discomfort.
"This shack is all we have now," Baljit explains, gesturing toward the rudimentary structure. "We cook outside, we sleep on the ground, and we live in constant fear of what will happen when the weather changes. The monsoon may be over, but our struggle continues every single day."
Government Response and Community Support
While government authorities had initially promised swift rehabilitation and compensation, the implementation has been slower than anticipated for many flood-affected families. The sisters, like numerous other victims, find themselves caught between bureaucratic processes and their immediate survival needs.
Local community members have stepped up to provide whatever support they can, offering food and temporary assistance. However, these gestures, while heartfelt, cannot replace the permanent housing solutions that flood victims desperately require.
"We are grateful for whatever help we receive from our neighbors," says Baljit's sister. "But we need proper shelter before winter sets in. We cannot survive another season in this condition."
The Larger Picture of Flood Rehabilitation
The plight of these two sisters represents a broader challenge facing Punjab's flood rehabilitation efforts. Four months after the disaster, numerous families across the state continue to live in temporary arrangements, awaiting permanent solutions and adequate compensation.
The situation raises important questions about disaster preparedness and rehabilitation mechanisms. As climate patterns become increasingly unpredictable, the need for robust systems to support victims of natural calamities grows more urgent.
The ongoing suffering of flood-affected families in Sultanpur Lodhi serves as a sobering reminder that the impact of natural disasters extends far beyond the immediate crisis, with rehabilitation being a long and challenging process that requires sustained attention and resources.
