The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued fresh ‘Red’ and ‘Orange’ alerts for Himachal Pradesh, as the state continues to be battered by heavy rains. The alerts, valid for the next 24 hours, have been issued for several districts of the hill-state.
According to senior IMD Scientist Sandeep Kumar Sharma, a red alert has been issued for very heavy rainfall in Solan, Shimla, Sirmaur, Kullu, Mandi, Kinnaur, and Lahaul. Additionally, an orange alert has been issued in Una, Hamirpur, Kangra, and Chamba. A flash flood warning has been issued for Mandi, Kinnaur, and Lahaul-Spiti.
Former Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister, Jairam Thakur, expressed concern over the loss of lives and damage to public infrastructure caused by the unprecedented rains. Thakur, who is now the Leader of the Opposition in the Himachal Assembly, stated that over 12 major bridges have been damaged in the state due to the heavy rainfall.
The torrential rains have wreaked havoc in Himachal Pradesh, triggering landslides, power disruptions, road blockages, and bridge damages. The situation has resulted in the loss of 20 lives in the past 48 hours, with tourists stranded in various parts of the hill-state. The estimated cost of the damage to public infrastructure ranges between Rs 3,000 crore and Rs 4,000 crore.
Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu stated that the state hasn’t witnessed such heavy rainfall in the last 50 years. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also spoke to the Chief Minister and assured full support from the Centre.
The authorities are working diligently to mitigate the impact of the heavy rains and ensure the safety of the residents. The local administration and disaster management teams are on high alert and taking necessary precautions to handle any emergency situations that may arise.
As the situation unfolds, it is crucial for residents and tourists to stay updated with weather forecasts and follow the instructions and guidelines provided by the authorities. It is advisable to avoid unnecessary travel and take necessary precautions to stay safe during this challenging period.
The concerned authorities are closely monitoring the situation and taking all necessary measures to provide relief and support to the affected areas. Rescue and relief operations are underway, and efforts are being made to restore normalcy as soon as possible.
Our thoughts go out to the people of Himachal Pradesh who have been affected by this natural calamity, and we hope for their safety and well-being in these trying times.
