Heavy Rainfall Devastates Himachal Pradesh: 55 Lives Lost, Devastation Continues
Heavy rainfall in the Indian state of Himachal Pradesh has resulted in the loss of 55 lives and widespread devastation. The Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh, Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, has taken stock of the situation and held discussions with District Magistrates to assess the extent of the damage.
Several districts, including Solan, Shimla, Mandi, and Hamirpur, have been severely affected by landslides, cloudbursts, and blocked roads. The death toll is expected to rise as rescue and restoration efforts continue.
Authorities are working tirelessly to restore normalcy, with the Chandigarh-Shimla 4-lane highway and other arterial roads being reopened. The state government has also received assurance of assistance from Union Home Minister Amit Shah, who deployed an army helicopter in Shimla for emergency operations.
Chief Minister Sukhu expressed condolences to the affected families and pledged support from the government. He visited the village of Jadon in the Solan district, which witnessed significant loss of life and property due to a cloudburst. The government has decided not to hold any cultural festivities for Independence Day, focusing instead on search and rescue operations.
In Shimla’s Summer Hill area, a temple collapsed following a cloudburst, resulting in the deaths of nine people. A rescue operation is underway to locate 20-25 individuals who are feared to be buried under debris. Chief Minister Sukhu personally supervised the efforts and provided assistance to those affected by a landslide in the Phagli area of Shimla City.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert for heavy to very heavy rainfall in Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand over the next 24 hours. The alert will later be downgraded to an orange alert. This forecast raises concerns about the possibility of further damage and highlights the need for preparedness measures.
As the state continues to grapple with the aftermath of heavy rainfall, it is crucial for authorities to prioritize rescue operations, restore connectivity, and provide necessary support to those affected. The coordinated efforts of the government, local administration, and armed forces will play a pivotal role in mitigating the impact of this natural disaster.
