New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi immediately contacted Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann after returning from China to discuss the severe flood situation in the state and assured full assistance.

“Immediately after landing in Delhi, Prime Minister Modi called Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann to discuss the situation caused by heavy rains and flooding in Punjab. He has assured all help and support to the state,” officials confirmed.

The floods in Punjab have so far claimed 29 lives, with the highest number of fatalities reported in Pathankot district. Over 2.56 lakh people have been affected by the deluge, according to state officials.

Twelve out of the 23 districts in Punjab have been severely impacted since August 1, with the state government describing the disaster as one of the worst floods to hit Punjab in decades, according to an official bulletin.