The Himachal Pradesh government on Monday released helpline numbers as heavy rainfall batters the hill state. Toll free numbers 1070 and 1077 have been set up at the State Emergency Operation Center and in EOCs in several districts of the state respectively. Heavy to very heavy rainfall has been taking place in several parts of the state, as per India Meteorological Department. Solan and Una districts have received 17 centimetres of rain each followed by Mandi (12 cm), Shimla (9 cm), and Dharamshala (9 cm).
In the wake of the heavy rainfall, Himachal Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu appealed to the people to remain indoors and informed about the helpline numbers in a video message.
"I again request the people of Himachal, please stay inside your homes for the next 24 hours because there is a chance of heavy rainfall in the next 24 hours,” he said.
“We have arranged 3 helpline numbers 1100, 1070 and 1077...you can call these numbers in case of any emergency and I will also be available 24 hours,” he added.
He requested all the MLAs to remain in their constituencies and assist the people in need, adding that 14 people have died due to rain-related incidents in the state.
The unprecedented rains in the past three days have caused 14 dead massive damage, especially to the infrastructure, roads, drinking water facilities, fields of farmers as well as houses, said minister Jagat Singh Negi.
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“Nine people died in 3 days; around 250 houses were damaged. Several roads have been affected and numerous landslides were reported, he added.
The heavy rains have caused river Ravi to swell in Chamba district inundating several houses located near the river, reported ANI on Monday. Landslides near Gambrola Bridge in Bilaspur halted traffic movement on the route while Pathankot-Bharmour National Highway was closed due to rubbles and boulders.