Large areas flooded in Kurukshetra, Ambala; Army called in for rescue

Haryana: Army has been called in Ambala and Kurukshetra districts of Haryana following heavy rains in the state and neighbouring Punjab which have flooded vast tracts in rural areas, including agriculture fields.

Rains have disrupted road and rail traffic leaving a large number of people stranded in various areas in the two districts.

A breach has been reported in river Tangri in Jadhpur in Punjab and river Ghaggar was also posing a threat to the district.

As the Chandigarh-Ambala National highway has been affected, traffic has been diverted towards Banur from Haryana's border with Punjab on the National Highway. Haryana Police has urged the people not to travel in heavy vehicles on the National Highway.

Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda has directed the concerned officers to launch rescue operations. Haryana Chief Secretary Urvashi Gulati has been in constant touch with Punjab Chief Secretary so as to expedite the relief operation.

Principal Secretary (Irrigation) S S Dhillon rushed to Ambala to expedite the rescue and relief operation.

The supply of electricity has been affected in 300 to 350 villages in Ambala district as a number of sub-stations have got submerged in water. Pumps have been deployed to drain out rain water. (With PTI inputs)