Jalandhar’s Model Town is hit hard by heavy rain overnight, causing severe damage to many shops. Rajive Duggal, president of the Model Town Shopkeepers Association, said the total loss is estimated at 4 to 5 crore rupees.
The worst affected shops include an underground electronics store near Mata Rani Chowk, which sells gadgets including Apple products. Water entered the store and damaged many goods. The Gaba Grand Mall in the central area, the Baby Step store near KFC, Gulati Handlooms at Bazar Bansawala, and Chimney House, a kitchen appliance store, also suffered heavy losses due to waterlogging.
The rain started late Sunday night and kept pouring heavily for 4 to 5 hours, flooding streets and shops in Model Town. Rajive Duggal reached the flooded area early Monday morning and, with the help of local people, started rescue operations to remove water.
Many shop owners stayed overnight trying to save their goods, but most have loans and no insurance. Duggal said the losses are very difficult to recover from.
With more rain expected in the next two days, shopkeepers are worried about additional damage. Duggal and other local leaders have asked the city corporation for urgent help to protect their businesses.