Himachal Monsoon Fury: Roads Blocked, Lives at Risk as Rain Wreaks Havoc
Heavy rains and flooding have devastated Himachal Pradesh, cutting off roads, electricity, and water in multiple districts. Despite ongoing relief efforts, the toll on life and property is severe, prompting state-wide red alerts. The government has announced an increased relief package to aid affected communities.
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In a dire development, heavy rainfall has unleashed catastrophic flooding across Himachal Pradesh, laying waste to critical infrastructure and threatening hundreds of lives. The state's Revenue, Horticulture and Tribal Development Minister, Jagat Singh Negi, described the monsoon as 'very active,' wreaking havoc in districts like Chamba, Kangra, Mandi, Shimla, and Lahaul-Spiti.
According to Negi, 'In the past 24 hours, the monsoon has been very active. This has especially impacted the Chamba district, parts of the Kangra district, some areas of Mandi, Shimla, and even the Lahaul-Spiti. There has been heavy damage at many places, and Chamba has suffered significant losses. Roads have been blocked as well,' he mentioned, bringing attention to the 625 roads currently rendered impassable, including three national highways.
Despite fewer blows to water supply systems, the damage is conspicuous with 162 affected schemes. The Meteorological Department has issued red alerts lasting until August 27, gearing administrative units for potential emergencies. Relief and rescue teams are on standby, as district authorities might order school closures for safety. Meanwhile, the Himachal Pradesh Cabinet, steered by Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, extended a 'best relief package in the country during monsoon' to offer augmented compensation for the afflicted.
(With inputs from agencies.)
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