The monsoon fury continues to batter Himachal Pradesh, where 85 lives have been lost so far this season, as confirmed by the State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA). The state remains in a grip of widespread devastation, with torrential rains triggering landslides, flash floods, and road accidents.
Of the total fatalities, 54 deaths have been directly attributed to rain-induced disasters, while 31 were reported in road mishaps, according to the latest SDMA bulletin.
The past 24 hours alone saw 204 roads rendered impassable, including the crucial National Highway NH-003 that links Mandi to Dharampur via Kotli. Moreover, 192 electricity transformers and 740 water supply schemes were disrupted, adding to the crisis.
Mandi district has emerged as the epicentre of the devastation, accounting for the highest number of blocked roads (138), along with major disruptions in power and water supply. Kullu reported 20 road closures, while infrastructure damages were also extensive in Kangra and Sirmaur.
“All emergency services are on alert. Restoration of road access, electricity, and water supply is ongoing,” said officials at the State Emergency Operation Centre (SEOC), which has been monitoring damage and coordinating response efforts.
Authorities have urged residents and tourists to avoid non-essential travel, especially on high-altitude and landslide-prone roads, as the weather forecast suggests continued rainfall.
Also read: 52 missing, 1,200 homes damaged as rain lashes Himachal
Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Wednesday visited the flood-ravaged Seraj Assembly constituency in Mandi district. He assured affected families of full state support and inspected the relief camp set up at Bagsiad.
“I personally got delivered relief material and ration to rain-hit Galu in a helicopter. Later, Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri and Public Works Minister Vikramaditya Singh also visited the affected areas to assess the damage caused,” the Chief Minister told reporters.
He also expressed concern over the circulation of false information on social media regarding the rescue operations. “Relief and rescue efforts are being carried out effectively in the Seraj Assembly constituency,” Sukhu said.
The SDMA has reiterated its appeal for caution, urging citizens to follow updates and advisories issued by the administration, as the state continues to grapple with one of the most destructive monsoon spells in recent years.
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