Onkar Chand Sharma, Principal Secretary for Revenue and Disaster Management, stated on Tuesday that 72 people perished and 8 to 10 people remain missing as a result of severe rains in Himachal Pradesh, which caused landslides and flash floods in numerous areas of the state, news agency ANI reported.
"Since the onset of monsoon on June 24 till yesterday, We have around 72 deaths reported and 8-10 are missing following heavy rain in Himachal Pradesh. Over 73 houses have been damaged and 373 animals have died. Over Rs 761 crores worth of properties have been damaged," Onkar Chand Sharma stated.
Landslides and flash floods caused by persistent rain devastated residences and infrastructure in Himachal Pradesh, paralysing regular life. As all major rivers, including the Ravi, Beas, Satluj, Swan, and Chenab, are in spate, some stores and cars have been washed away in Manali, Kullu, Kinnaur, and Chamba.
Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu, the Chief Minister, has asked people to stay indoors for the next 24 hours. "I want to request all residents of the state, please stay home for the next 24 hours because very heavy rain is expected. We have started three helplines -- 1100, 1070, 1077. You can call up these numbers to share information about anyone stuck in the calamity. I am available round the clock to help you," he said.
"So far, more than 20 individuals have died as a result of traffic accidents and other causes. The death toll from landslides and flash floods is lower. Over 1,300 roads in the state are impacted, including important national highways, district and connecting roads. For the next two days, we will be on high alert," Himachal Pradesh Minister Jagat Singh Negi had said earlier.