Flood-hit Himachal: JP Nadda assures comprehensive support and relief efforts
Shimla, August 20: Concluding his day-long visit to the flood-ravaged region of Himachal Pradesh, Bharatiya Janata Party's national president, JP Nadda, pledged the Centre's unwavering assistance to the state government in the aftermath of the calamity.
Addressing reporters in Shimla before his departure for New Delhi, Nadda affirmed, "We are committed to extending all feasible aid to the Himachal Pradesh government. We have reassured both the people of the state and Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu."
BJP national president JP Nadda had a meeting with HP CM Sukhvinder Sukhu in Shimla today regarding the loss of lives and damages caused by the natural calamity in Himachal Pradesh and the relief work.
On behalf of PM Modi, I have assured CM Sukhu that the cooperation of the… pic.twitter.com/S8cPw8nMQv — ANI (@ANI) August 20, 2023
During his inspection of the affected areas, Nadda personally observed the extensive devastation brought about by the torrential rains and ensuing floods.
Expressing his distress over the loss of lives and destruction of properties due to the catastrophe, JP Nadda remarked, "My visit allowed me to witness the areas affected by the heavy rainfall and floods. The scale of loss inflicted by this disaster saddens me. The administration is fully dedicated to providing essential assistance to the affected individuals."
"Centre will provide all possible help": JP Nadda before wrapping up his visit to flood-hit Himachal
On the same day, Chief Minister Sukhu engaged in a detailed dialogue with JP Nadda and Anurag Thakur, the Minister of Information and Broadcasting, both of whom had arrived in Shimla earlier to assess the extent of the damage.
Read @ANI Story | https://t.co/fizje2FLhu#JPNadda #floods #HimachalPradeshRains #Shimla pic.twitter.com/rzskBw0mSk — ANI Digital (@ani_digital) August 20, 2023
Following the discussions, CM Sukhu shared with ANI, "As per the relief guidelines of the Central Government, a damaged house receives Rs 5,000 in compensation, while a damaged road (1 km) receives Rs 1,25,000. I have appealed for amendments in the Central Government's relief protocol. BJP National President JP Nadda has mentioned a special package; we await its realization."
The region's unceasing rainfall triggered landslides, cloudbursts, and flash floods, leading to substantial havoc across the state. Responding to the dire situation, the Himachal Pradesh Government designated the entire state as a 'natural calamity affected area'.
Recent data from the state government indicates a monetary loss amounting to Rs 8014.61 crore since June 24. Among the grim statistics are 2,022 fully damaged houses, 9,615 partially damaged houses, and 113 landslides occurring during this year's monsoon season.
Efforts continue to retrieve the missing bodies from the Summer Hill incident, with seventeen bodies recovered so far. The authorities remain committed to recovering the remaining bodies as search operations persist.
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- ANI
