Authorities remain on high alert as key national highways, including NH-21 between Mandi and Kullu, have been rendered impassable due to landslides and flooding
Authorities are on alert, and disaster response teams have been deployed in sensitive zones for timely rescue and relief operations. File pic
Continuous downpours have severely disrupted life in Himachal Pradesh, leading to major infrastructure breakdowns and loss of life across several districts.
According to the State Emergency Operation Centre (SEOC), as on Thursday 10 am, a total of 301 roads were blocked, 436 electricity distribution transformers were deemed non-functional, and 254 water supply schemes were disrupted owing to the heavy rains, reported ANI.
Since the onset of monsoon on June 20, a total of 170 people have lost their lives. Out of these, 94 deaths were linked to rain-related calamities such as landslides, flash floods, cloudbursts, and electrocution. The remaining 76 fatalities resulted from road accidents, as per SEOC's cumulative data.
The report attributes the collapse in public services largely to the heavy rainfall experienced in the last 24 hours, which has intensified the ongoing crisis.
Mandi district recorded the highest number of road closures at 193, followed by 47 in Kullu and 25 in Chamba. Kullu and Chamba also reported the highest power disruptions, with 134 and 142 transformers affected, respectively, reported ANI.
Meanwhile, the total death toll since June 20 stands at 170, including 94 fatalities from weather-related incidents and 76 from traffic accidents.
The SEOC has advised residents to stay alert and avoid travelling unless absolutely essential, particularly in areas vulnerable to landslides and flash floods. Although repair and restoration efforts are in progress, persistent rainfall continues to hamper recovery, reported ANI.
A previous report from the SEOC revealed extensive damage caused by the monsoon, with property losses amounting to over Rs 1,59,981 lakh. Additionally, 2,743 hectares of agricultural land have been damaged, 680 houses have suffered destruction, and more than 22,900 livestock have perished, reported ANI.
The State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA) remains engaged with local bodies to expedite the restoration of essential services and road clearance. With more rainfall expected, authorities are urging the public to exercise extreme caution, especially in landslide-prone zones.
Emergency response teams have been deployed in critical areas to assist with rescue and relief efforts, ensuring timely intervention in case of further weather-related emergencies.
Himachal’s Kullu district alone has recorded financial losses exceeding Rs 48 crore since the start of the monsoon. Deputy Commissioner Torul S Raveesh confirmed that 17 people have died in the region so far, reported ANI.
(Inputs from ANI)
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