WASHINGTON (Diya TV) — Indian American Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-Ill.) urged the United States on Sept. 7 to stand ready to support India as devastating floods sweep across Punjab. The disaster has triggered one of the region’s worst humanitarian crises in decades.
Krishnamoorthi, who represents Illinois’ 8th Congressional District, released a statement highlighting the urgency of the situation. He said Punjab is facing its most severe flooding in 30 years, and millions of people are at risk.
“As Punjab faces its worst floods in three decades, a humanitarian crisis of staggering proportions has unfolded,” Krishnamoorthi said. He emphasized the importance of international cooperation, stressing that the United States should be prepared to offer aid if India seeks assistance.
Heavy rains in recent weeks have inundated villages and towns across Punjab, displacing families and destroying farmland. Local officials report that swollen rivers have swept away homes, schools, and bridges. Crops, which are a lifeline for the state’s economy, have suffered massive losses.
The floods have forced thousands to seek shelter in temporary camps. Health officials warn of rising cases of waterborne diseases, while aid groups struggle to deliver food and clean water to affected communities.
Residents say this year’s floods are worse than those in the 1990s, when large parts of Punjab last experienced such destruction. With roads and railways underwater, relief efforts have slowed, leaving many villages cut off from emergency supplies.
The disaster has created what many call a humanitarian emergency. Relief agencies are working with local governments to distribute medicine, food, and tents. Still, the demand for aid far outpaces the supply.
Krishnamoorthi noted that disasters of this scale require international solidarity. “We must show compassion and readiness to help in moments like this,” he said. His appeal comes as U.S.-India relations continue to strengthen through economic, security, and cultural ties.
The United States has a history of providing aid during global natural disasters, including earthquakes, hurricanes, and floods. Krishnamoorthi said Punjab’s crisis deserves the same urgency and attention.
For many families in Punjab, the floods have washed away years of savings and hard work. Farmers are among the hardest hit. Punjab is one of India’s top agricultural states, producing wheat, rice, and other staples. With fields submerged, experts warn of a looming food shortage that could ripple across India’s economy.
Families living near riverbanks have lost livestock, homes, and personal belongings. Children in flooded areas face school closures, while hospitals in rural regions struggle to cope with the influx of patients.
The scale of devastation has drawn global attention. Aid groups outside India have begun mobilizing resources, but large-scale international assistance has not yet been announced.
The floods in Punjab come at a time when climate-related disasters are becoming more frequent and intense across the world. Scientists warn that heavier rainfall and extreme weather will continue to threaten vulnerable regions.
Krishnamoorthi said moments like these highlight the need for international partnerships to fight climate change and protect communities from future disasters. He urged Americans to keep Punjab in their thoughts and to support relief efforts where possible.
