Kumar Bahukhandi
Prime Minister Narendra Modi addresses the nation from the ramparts of the Red Fort in New Delhi on Saturday, August 15, 2026, on the occasion of India’s 80th Independence Day. In his address, Modi expressed solidarity with families affected by floods and landslides, assuring them that the entire country stands with them. (Photo: @narendramodi/YouTube)
‘Entire country stands with you,’ Prime Minister tells affected families from Red Fort; expresses solidarity as heavy monsoon rains, floods and landslides hit several parts of India
Key Highlights
- PM Narendra Modi assures government support to families affected by floods and landslides.
- Says the entire country shares the pain and suffering of people affected by natural calamities.
- Assurance comes during his address from the Red Fort on India’s 80th Independence Day.
- Heavy monsoon rains have triggered floods and landslides in several parts of the country.
- PM’s message puts relief, rehabilitation and solidarity with affected families in the national spotlight on Independence Day.
New Delhi : Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday, August 15, 2026, assured families affected by floods and landslides across different parts of India that the government and the entire country stood firmly with them, placing the suffering caused by the monsoon calamities among the concerns he raised from the ramparts of the Red Fort on the country’s 80th Independence Day.
After hoisting the Tricolour at the historic Red Fort in New Delhi, Modi addressed the nation and expressed solidarity with people who have lost family members, homes, livelihoods or have otherwise been affected by floods, flash floods and landslides during the ongoing monsoon season.
“My dear Indians, in the past few days, some parts of the country have witnessed floods and landslides, and many families have been affected,” Modi said.
Acknowledging the distress faced by people in disaster-hit areas, the Prime Minister said the government understood their suffering.
“We fully understand their pain and suffering. I assure the affected families that the entire country stands with them.”
The assurance from the Red Fort carried particular significance as the country celebrated its 80th Independence Day while several regions continued to grapple with the consequences of intense monsoon rainfall.
PM’s Message of Solidarity From Red Fort
The Prime Minister’s remarks brought the plight of disaster-affected families into the country’s principal Independence Day address, signalling that their immediate difficulties remain a national concern even as India celebrates the anniversary of its freedom.
Heavy rainfall during the monsoon has affected several parts of the country, causing flooding, flash floods and landslides and disrupting normal life. Assam, Kerala, Uttarakhand and Nagaland are among the states that have faced severe weather-related situations this season.
For families caught in such disasters, the consequences can extend far beyond the immediate emergency. Houses and crops can be damaged, roads and bridges disrupted and communities temporarily cut off, making relief followed by rehabilitation an equally important part of the response.
Modi’s assurance therefore placed emphasis not simply on acknowledging the calamities but on conveying to affected citizens that they would not face the crisis alone.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi stands for the National Anthem following the hoisting of the Tricolour during the 80th Independence Day celebrations at the Red Fort in New Delhi on Saturday, August 15, 2026. (Photo: @narendramodi/YouTube)
The Prime Minister’s choice to raise the issue at the beginning of an address delivered on one of India’s most important national occasions also gave the message wider resonance.
Independence Day traditionally provides the Prime Minister an opportunity not only to outline national priorities and achievements but also to address challenges confronting citizens.
This year, the suffering caused by natural disasters became part of that national message.
Relief and Rehabilitation Remain the Challenge
The immediate priority following floods and landslides is saving lives, evacuating people from vulnerable locations and ensuring access to food, drinking water, medicines and temporary shelter.
But the challenge does not end when floodwaters recede.
For affected families, rebuilding homes, restoring livelihoods, repairing damaged infrastructure and returning children to schools can take considerably longer. Farmers may have to contend with damaged crops and agricultural land, while remote communities can face prolonged connectivity problems after roads and bridges are affected.
The Prime Minister’s assurance from the Red Fort consequently carries an expectation of sustained institutional support through both the relief and rehabilitation stages.
Disaster response in India involves coordination among the Centre, state governments, district administrations, specialised disaster-response forces, security personnel and local agencies. The severity and geographical spread of monsoon-related disasters make such coordination particularly important.
Modi’s statement also underscored a broader message associated with Independence Day — that national solidarity extends to citizens confronting tragedy in any part of the country.
For those celebrating the day away from disaster-hit regions, the Prime Minister’s remarks served as a reminder that the national celebration was taking place alongside the hardship being endured by thousands of families elsewhere.
As the Tricolour flew over the Red Fort on India’s 80th Independence Day, Modi’s assurance to those families was unequivocal: their suffering was understood, and the country stood with them.
“I assure the affected families that the entire country stands with them.”
For communities confronting floods and landslides, the words now place the focus on the next stage — ensuring that solidarity is matched by effective relief, rehabilitation and the rebuilding of lives.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrives at the historic Red Fort in New Delhi on Saturday, August 15, 2026, for India’s 80th Independence Day celebrations, where he is received by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and other senior officials. Modi is seen briefly interacting with the Defence Minister before proceeding for the ceremonial Guard of Honour, hoisting of the Tricolour and his address to the nation from the ramparts of the Red Fort. (Video: Narendra Modi/YouTube via PIB)
