The residents of Kaluwara, a secluded village located in Punjab’s border district of Ferozepur, are beginning to feel a sense of optimism after enduring significant hardships due to devastating floods. Surrounded by the turbulent waters of the Sutlej River on three sides and bordered by the Indo-Pak border fence on the fourth, the community faced a daunting challenge following the floods that left them homeless and in despair.
Throughout their history, the villagers have had to repeatedly rebuild their lives, whether from the aftermath of conflicts between India and Pakistan or from natural disasters. The recent floods, described as some of the most catastrophic in recent memory for Punjab, obliterated their homes, agricultural land, and livelihoods, leaving behind only mounds of sand.
Transportation to the village has been limited to a traditional wooden boat known as a behri, complicating efforts to restore the community after the floods.
Fortunately, assistance is now coming from Singapore. The humanitarian organization Mercy Relief (MR) has taken the initiative to aid in the reconstruction of homes for the flood-affected residents of Kaluwara. They are transporting essential construction materials such as bricks and cement via large boats on the Sutlej River, making significant progress in rebuilding efforts.
Bohar Singh, the sarpanch (village head) of Kaluwara, described the village as “cursed” during an interview with The Indian Express, citing the frequent adversities faced by the community, including tensions between India and Pakistan and natural disasters. He noted that nearly the entire village was devastated by last year’s floods, which significantly reduced the population from around 300 as many families were forced to relocate. Currently, 28 to 30 homes remain, occupied by families with limited financial means who are unable to move elsewhere. Mercy Relief’s commitment to reconstruct their homes has been met with deep gratitude from the residents.
Malkeet Singh, a villager whose house was destroyed, expressed appreciation for the organization’s efforts, stating that they are covering all costs related to the transportation of materials and labor. He shared that his father’s land, totaling three acres, was lost to floodwaters, and their home was reduced to rubble. Mercy Relief has also promised to help furnish the rebuilt houses.
Leon Yip, the chief executive of Mercy Relief, conveyed in a response to The Indian Express that the organization has been active in Punjab since the floods of August 2025, providing initial emergency relief to nearly 5,000 individuals. They are now focusing on addressing shelter needs in Kaluwara. The village was identified as part of their ongoing relief efforts, and local stakeholders have collaborated to construct 25 shelters to meet the immediate needs of the community, with total funding expected to exceed SGD $100,000.
Another villager, Kala Singh, remarked on the destruction of his home due to the floods and credited Mercy Relief for their role in rebuilding it. He noted that work has already been completed on 10 to 12 homes, with ongoing efforts for the remaining structures, expressing sincere gratitude for the support from Singapore.
Deepshikha Sharma, the Deputy Commissioner of Ferozepur, highlighted the significant contributions of Mercy Relief in providing medical assistance during the floods, emphasizing how such initiatives foster community engagement and support.
