Over 50 Lives Lost, Dozens Trapped in Landslides and Heavy Rains in Himachal Pradesh
Heavy rains and landslides have wreaked havoc in Himachal Pradesh, resulting in the loss of over 50 lives in the past 24 hours. The state is also grappling with the prospect of over 20 people being trapped under debris. The situation is extremely distressing, with rescue and relief operations being conducted by the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams.
Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu revealed the grim news and expressed his concerns about those still trapped. Search and rescue efforts are currently underway, and cultural festivities for Independence Day have been canceled in light of the unfortunate situation.
The Chief Minister stated, Over 50 people have lost their lives in the state in the last 24 hours. Over 20 people are still trapped, and the death toll may increase. A search and rescue operation is underway. We have decided not to organize any cultural program on the occasion of Independence Day.
Support for the state government has poured in from various political leaders. President Droupadi Murmu, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Mallikarjun Kharge, BJP chief JP Nadda, Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi have all offered assistance to the government in any way possible.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah expressed his deepest condolences to the bereaved families and assured that the NDRF teams are fully engaged in rescue and relief efforts. Shah took to social media to convey his sympathies and prayers for the speedy recovery of the injured.
Meanwhile, the state government announced the cancellation of train services between Kandaghat and Shimla due to the adverse conditions. The Kalka-Shimla railway track has been washed away after a landslide hit the Summer Hill area of Shimla.
Rescue operations are underway, but the incessant rain is posing challenges. Eight bodies have already been recovered in the Summer Hill area, but the exact number of people affected remains uncertain. Authorities are cooperating and working tirelessly with the SDM, SP, and SDRF to carry out the rescue operations.
The deaths caused by excessive rain-related incidents in Himachal Pradesh have also drawn the attention of President Droupadi Murmu, who expressed her grief and offered her condolences to the affected families.
Further support has come from Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) national president JP Nadda, who spoke with CM Sukhu and state BJP President Rajeev Bindal to enquire about the extent of damage caused by the cloudburst and landslides. He pledged full support to Himachal Pradesh in every possible way.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has warned of the possibility of heavy rain in the bordering areas of Punjab and Haryana for the next few days. The temperature in these regions is expected to decrease, providing some respite from the current heatwave.
Due to the impact of the inclement weather, the road from Anu-Hamirpur town has been temporarily closed. Alternative routes have been suggested by the HP Traffic, Tourist, and Railways Police.
As the rescue and relief operations continue in Himachal Pradesh, the focus remains on minimizing the loss of life and ensuring the safety of those still trapped. The support and assistance offered by various leaders and agencies will be crucial in managing this crisis.
