Himachal Pradesh: Death Toll Due To Landslides Reaches 22, Six Missing. CM Jairam Reviews Situation

Flash-floods and other weather-related incidents are reported from 30 different locations, most affected among them are Mandi, Chamba, Kangra, Kullu, Hamirpur and Shimla districts.

Visuals from a landslide site in Himachal Pradesh

Source : ANI

New Delhi: Heavy rain has wreaked havoc with landslides and other weather-related incidents in Himachal Pradesh, the death toll rose to 22 after the SDRF and local administration found another body at a landslide site on Sunday. Six people are still missing, as per the latest disaster management authority data. 

As per a report by news agency ANI, the damage to local properties has made it difficult for tourists and local residents as heavy rainfall continues in the state. Flash floods and other weather-related incidents were reported from as many as 30 different locations in the state. There have also been reports of damage to several houses with Mandi, Chamba, Kangra, Kullu, Hamirpur, and Shimla districts being the most affected. The Chakki railway bridge connecting Pathankot to Himachal Pradesh also collapsed.

Roads at Mandi were blocked due to heavy rain resulting in tourists being stuck due to roadblocks.

Himachal CM Jai Ram Thakur reviewed the situation through video conference and said that directions have been given to ensure that an adequate number of rescue personnel and machinery are placed at important places. He added that main roads heading towards hospitals will be restored on priority.

The Chief Minister said that the state government will urge the Centre to send an additional team for relief and rehabilitation works.

CM Thakur also directed all the line departments for maintaining proper coordination for effective rescue operations. He directed the Deputy Commissioners to take decisions regarding the closure of schools in their respective districts as per requirement.

Meanwhile, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an orange alert across Himachal Pradesh. IMD Deputy Director of State, Bui Lal told ANI, that the state will also see moderate to heavy rain during the next five days. People are advised to avoid venturing near rivers and streams in such weather.

“The next 5 days to see moderate to heavy rain. An orange alert has been issued for the next 12 hours for the whole state, yellow alert for the rest of the days till August 24,” Lal said. 

Further, the state disaster management department had issued a warning for landslides till August 25.

(With Agency Inputs)