Himachal Pradesh Faces Devastating Floods as Rains Wreak Havoc

In Himachal Pradesh, relentless monsoon rains have led to a tragic loss of over 37 lives and property damage estimated at Rs 400 crore. The India Meteorological Department has alerted residents for continued rains through July 7, underscoring the urgency of current rescue operations.

The Himachal Pradesh State Disaster Management Authority reports that the state has incurred damages exceeding ₹400 crore. Authorities are focused on intensive search and rescue missions, especially in Mandi district, where vast road blockages and service disruptions have compounded the crisis. 'Current losses mount to ₹400 crore and are expected to rise,' said DC Rana, Special Secretary of the authority.

Mandi's Thunag subdivision faces significant damage, with roads blocked and vital utilities like water and electricity heavily impacted. Government personnel alongside Public Works Department engineers and utility officials are spearheading restoration initiatives. The monsoon season, so far, has claimed 37 lives, with Mandi witnessing a village laid waste and numerous residents unaccounted for.

Forty people are missing in Mandi alone, prompting exhaustive search operations. The hill state's vulnerabilities to climate change accentuate these calamities. DC Rana cites global warming as a driving factor, highlighting that this is not an isolated issue for Himachal.

Across Himachal, 250 roads are blocked, over 500 electricity transformers are down, and 700 water schemes are compromised. A multi-agency response involving local entities and national forces is underway. Shimla's residents, including school children, face significant challenges, with infrastructure compromised and daily life severely disrupted.

Shimla student, Tanuja Thakur, conveyed the distress caused by inundation, emphasizing safety concerns amid ongoing hazards. Authorities maintain vigilance as severe rain forecasts persist, urging caution. (ANI)

(With inputs from agencies.)