Monsoon Disaster in Himachal: Death Toll Mounts to 125, Crores Worth of Damage
Shimla (The Uttam Hindu) - Monsoon havoc has intensified in Himachal Pradesh and since June 20, 125 people have lost their lives and 215 have been injured while many people are still missing. According to the latest report of the State Emergency Operation Center (SEOC), a total loss of Rs 1,23,5.74 crore has been incurred since June 20, in which infrastructure, agriculture and private property have suffered heavy damage. The death toll due to natural disasters in the state has risen to 70 and the death toll due to rain-related road accidents has risen to 55. In this disaster, 500 houses, 952 cow shelters, 241 shops and 141 labour sheds have been partially or completely damaged. At the same time, more than 22,796 animals including 21,500 poultry birds have died.
According to reports, Mandi district is the worst affected, where public property worth over Rs 1,076.94 lakh has been damaged.
As of Sunday evening, 142 roads, including major connecting roads in Mandi, Kullu and Kangra districts, are blocked, according to the latest bulletin of SEOC. 26 power transformers and 40 water supply schemes are disrupted due to heavy rains and landslides. The India Meteorological Department has issued an orange alert for heavy rains in Una, Bilaspur, Hamirpur, Kangra, Mandi, Solan and Sirmaur districts on July 21 and 22, while yellow alerts have been issued for Shimla, Chamba and Kullu.
The Meteorological Department has warned of landslides, flash floods, waterlogging and rising water levels in rivers. There is a possibility of vehicles skidding due to slippery roads and traffic jams in sensitive areas. Meteorological officials have advised tourists to avoid trekking and stay away from rivers and landslide prone areas. Administrative officials said that relief camps have been set up in the affected villages, while NDRF and SDRF teams are continuing rescue operations amid challenging weather. The next 72 hours are crucial, heavy rains are expected on July 21-22. Local residents have been urged to avoid unnecessary travel, especially on National Highway-5 and National Highway-21, where restoration work is still going on after fresh landslides.