Himachal flashfloods: 330 roads closed, landslides wreak havoc during monsoon deluge
Himachal flashfloods: Himachal Pradesh is grappling with the aftermath of monsoons, as 330 roads and two main four-lane roads, including Kalka-Shimla, have been shut down due to rain-triggered landslides and flash floods. The Public Works Department Minister, Vikramaditya Singh, expressed gratitude to Union Minister Nitin Gadkari for offering a Rs 400 crore package to aid the restoration efforts in the flood-hit Kullu district.
During Nitin Gadkari's recent visit to the state, he and Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu surveyed the flood-affected areas, interacting with the affected people to understand their concerns in this challenging situation. Vikramaditya Singh is hopeful of receiving further support from the Central government, as Chief Minister Sukhu is scheduled to meet Prime Minister Modi, the Union Home Minister, and the Finance Minister in the next two days.
The state disaster management authority reported that nearly 200 rain-related deaths and 31 missing persons were recorded in the past 41 days since the onset of the monsoon in Himachal Pradesh. Out of the total deaths, 57 were due to landslides and flash floods, while 142 were attributed to road accidents during the monsoon period.
The disaster management authority's Principal Secretary revealed that the loss of lives continues to rise as the state struggles to recover from the torrential rains and floods. The damage to infrastructure has also been extensive, with an estimated loss of 6563.58 crores during the same period.
Flash floods have caused damage to 774 houses, while 7317 houses have been partially affected. Additionally, 254 shops and 2337 cowsheds have been damaged. The state has witnessed 79 landslides and 53 flash flood incidents.
Furthermore, almost 300 roads, 274 electricity supply, and 42 water supply schemes remain disrupted in the state. In response to the Indian Meteorological Department's heavy rain warning for the next two days, the state disaster management authority has issued an alert.
Himachal Pradesh continues to grapple with the challenges posed by the relentless monsoon rains, and the state government is actively seeking support and assistance from the Central authorities to aid in the recovery and restoration efforts.
- ANI
