Heavy Rains in Himachal Pradesh: 63 Dead, ₹400 Crore Property Damaged

As many as 63 people have died while ₹400 crore worth of property has been damaged due to incessant rains in Himachal Pradesh. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a rain alert until July 7, warning of continued heavy showers in the hill state.

The Thunag sub-division of Mandi district has been the worst-hit so far, with roads impassable and essential services affected.

DC Rana, Special Secretary of the State Disaster Management Authority and Revenue Department, stated, \"We have recorded over ₹400 crore in losses so far, but the actual damage is likely to be much higher. Our primary focus at the moment is on search, rescue, and restoration.\"

Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu's Media Advisor Naresh Chauhan reported, \"63 dead, 40 missing due to cloudbursts and other rain-related disasters in the state.\"

In Mandi alone, 40 people are reportedly missing. Relief camps have been set up, and food packets were air-dropped by the Indian Air Force to affected areas. More than 150 houses, 106 cattle sheds, 31 vehicles, 14 bridges, and several roads were damaged in the calamities. A total of 164 cattle perished, while 402 people, 348 of them in Mandi, were rescued, and five relief camps have been set up.

The inclement weather has disrupted transportation and infrastructure in the state, with roads out of bounds for traffic, transformers and water supply schemes disrupted, and landslides reported in various areas.

Despite challenges in field coordination due to road closures and poor network connectivity, emergency communication measures have been activated in affected areas. NDRF, SDRF, police, and home guards are engaged in search and rescue operations, and relief efforts are ongoing to address the impact of the natural disasters.

Leader of Opposition in the State Assembly Jairam Thakur highlighted the extensive damage in his constituency, emphasizing the need for continued support and relief efforts.

According to the source: Mint.