GURDASPUR/ISLAMABAD: Floodwaters from the Ravi entered the Kartarpur corridor in Narowal district of Pakistan on Wednesday, swamping large portions of the revered Gurdwara Darbar Sahib complex.The ground floor of the gurdwara — which includes the site where Guru Nanak Dev Ji died, the langar hall, parikrama, and residential quarters — is completely submerged, said Paramjit Singh Sarna, former president of Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee.However, the “parkash (installation)” of Sri Guru Granth Sahib is performed on the first floor of the gurdwara, which stands around 12 feet above ground. “This means that the ‘saroop’ (holy scripture) of Sri Guru Granth Sahib remains safe,” he said.Sarna said flooding of this magnitude was last seen around 1975/1980, but this time the overflowing Ravi river has completely submerged the gurdwara’s ground floor. Asked if Project Management Unit (PMU) — the body responsible for managing Gurdwara Darbar Sahib — had initiated rescue operations, he said, “They say so, but the reality is that draining the water will be difficult until it recedes naturally.”Confirming that the “saroop” of Sri Guru Granth Sahib is safe in Gurdwara Kartarpur Sahib, Delhi govt minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa said he has received information that eight people have been rescued form the gurdwara and sent to Narowal.The Pakistan military said it has launched a “major rescue operation” to evacuate pilgrims, staff and residents. Boats were pressed into service and hundreds were ferried to safer ground.The Kartarpur evacuation has drawn attention across the border in India given the shrine’s religious importance for the Sikh community. Authorities stressed the corridor would remain closed until conditions stabilise.Gurdwara Darbar Sahib is just 4.5 km from Dera Baba Nanak integrated check post (ICP) in Punjab’s Gurdaspur district.The Akal Takht’s officiating jathedar, Giani Kuldip Singh Gargaj, has asked the Pakistan Sikh Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (PSGPC) to send a report on damage to the gurdwara. He directed PSGPC to work with the Pakistan Evacuee Trust Property Board to assess damage.Gargaj said he has been told that the entire complex is under several feet of water. Gargaj called upon both the India and Pakistan govts to take joint steps and maintain coordination so that floodwaters never again reach Gurdwara Darbar Sahib. He appealed to the govt to reopen the Kartarpur corridor at the earliest.“This will help strengthen mutual harmony and allow Sikh devotees from India to visit Kartarpur Sahib, witness the present condition of the gurdwara, and begin the necessary kar sewa (voluntary service),” he said.