Himachal disaster: CM Sukhu criticises BJP MPs and party's Pratibha Singh
Shimla, August 18: In the wake of devastating rains causing havoc in Himachal Pradesh and claiming the lives of over 70 people in recent days, the government under Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has officially designated the entire state as a "natural calamity-affected area," according to an official statement.
The region has witnessed significant destruction due to incessant rainfall, triggering flash floods, cloudbursts, landslides, and slope failures that have resulted in substantial loss of life and property.
The government's statement emphasized, "Himachal Pradesh has experienced unparalleled loss of human lives and extensive damage, destruction, and loss to public and private property during the ongoing monsoon season. The state has been severely affected by continuous rains, leading to floods, cloudbursts, landslides, and slope failures, resulting in significant loss of life and property."
The excessive precipitation has presented an array of challenges impacting daily life in the state. Thousands of homes have been damaged or demolished, crops and agricultural lands have suffered unprecedented losses, and the evacuation of thousands of stranded tourists and locals necessitated the involvement of Indian Air Force, Army, NDRF, SDRF, Police, Home Guards, Fire Services, and local volunteers.
The state, district, and local road networks, as well as numerous bridges, have been severely damaged or destroyed, affecting connectivity and rescue operations.
In light of the grave situation, the government has declared the entire state of Himachal Pradesh as a "Natural Calamity-Affected Area," recognizing the loss of life and property, along with the need for recovery and reconstruction efforts once the weather stabilizes and accessibility improves.
Assessment teams will evaluate damage to property, livestock, infrastructure, and crops, submitting reports for recovery and reconstruction efforts. As of Wednesday, the state disaster management reported over 70 deaths and a monetary loss of around Rs 7,500 crore due to incessant rainfall from August 13-15. Additionally, 1,762 houses have been fully damaged, 8,952 partially damaged, and 113 landslides recorded during this monsoon season, according to official data.
- ANI
