PM Modi Speaks With CMs Of Himachal, Uttarakhand Over Massive Rainfall, Flood In 2 States

PM Narendra Modi on Monday dialled and CMs of Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand over the flood situation in the two states.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday spoke with the Chief Ministers of Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand and inquired about the situation related to rainfall in their states, reported ANI. The PM assured the CMs of all help and support from the Government of India. Both Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh are the worst-hit states due to incessant rainfall that has caused severe flash floods and landslides in the states. Himachal Pradesh CM Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu held a virtual meeting with SDMA over the rescue and other relief efforts amidst the excessive downpour in the state.

Uttarakhand CM Pushkar Singh Dhami on Sunday said that officials of the Disaster Management Authority and other departments have been asked to stay on alert for any kind of emergency situation. He also appealed to the pilgrims to continue their journey only after taking stock of the weather situation properly. Dhami added that officials have also been instructed to keep their mobile and other communication channels open so that emergency situations can be handled in a timely manner.

"Disaster Management Authority and all state officials have been asked to remain alert in view of heavy rainfall alert for the state. All pilgrims should proceed on their yatra keeping the weather conditions in mind," CM told ANI. 

Himachal Pradesh Floods

PM Narendra Modi inquired about the extent of the damage caused to life and property due to heavy rains and floods in a call with Himachal CM Sukhu, an official statement issued here said. The CM informed Modi that the state has been severely affected by floods and landslides, it said. Sukhu added that roads have been damaged while water and electric supply has been disrupted, and urged the prime minister to declare the situation as a national calamity, the statement said, reported PTI.

Sukhu said Himachal Pradesh would require substantial assistance from the Union government to recover from the extensive losses caused by the calamity. He appealed to the prime minister to extend a special economic package to aid in the state's recovery process, it said, as quoted by PTI.  In response to the chief minister's concerns, PM Modi assured him of the Centre's unwavering support and promised all possible assistance to the state to come out of this crisis. the statement said.

Uttarakhand Floods

The Badrinath National Highway and several other roads were blocked due to incessant rains and landslides on Monday, officials said, as quoted by PTI. The report added that the traffic on the highway was restored after a few hours while efforts are on to open other roads that are still closed, they said. 

Meanwhile, the MeT department has issued an alert for heavy rains in 11 districts of the state. The state Police has appealed to the people to avoid travelling to the hills unless necessary. According to the State Emergency Operation Center, Koti received a maximum of 155 mm of rain, Bhagwanpur 88 mm, Chakrata 74.3 mm, Vikasnagar 66.5 mm, Mussoorie 60.2 mm, Purola 60 mm, Haridwar 57 mm, Kalsi 55.5 mm, Mori 53 mm, Barkot 51 mm, Dhanaulti 45 mm and Laksar 40 mm in the last 24 hours, stated a PTI report.