North India Statesman
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Shimla: Heavy monsoon rains in Himachal Pradesh have completely disrupted normal life, killing at least 37 people and assets worth more than Rs 400 crore, said the State Disaster Management Authority (HPSDMA). The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has warned that heavy rains are likely to continue in the state till 7 July.
According to the latest report of Himachal Pradesh State Disaster Management Authority and Revenue Department, there has been a huge devastation in many districts of the state, in which Mandi district has been affected the most. Road construction work has been stopped in Thunag subdivision of Mandi, electricity and water supply has been disrupted and the movement of vehicles has been completely disrupted. DC Rana, Special Secretary, State Disaster Management Authority and Revenue Department, said, “Roads are completely blocked, electricity and water supply has been disrupted and the movement of vehicles has been badly affected.” Senior officials are on the spot. PWD engineers are monitoring road restoration, as well as the Director of Operations of Electricity Board and Chief Engineers of Jal Shakti are also in Mandi. ”
The state has already lost assets worth more than Rs 400 crore. However, Rana said, “The actual limit of loss can be much more serious than this.” He clarified, “Currently, priority is being given to search, rescue and rehabilitation works. It will take time to assess detailed losses.” The number of people is also serious. During the monsoon season, 37 people died in rain -related incidents, while 26 people have died in road accidents. 40 people are missing in Mandi district alone. Rana said, “A village in Mandi has been completely destroyed. A relief camp has been built there and food packets have been sent by air by the Indian Air Force.”
Severe infrastructure problems:
250 roads are blocked in the state, more than 500 power distribution transformers are not working and about 700 drinking water projects are closed. Emergency response teams of central agencies, including local administration, police, home guards, state disaster response forces (SDRF) and National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), are engaged in rescue operations.
Effect of climate change
Expressing concern over the environment, Rana said, “These incidents are the result of global warming and climate change. Himachal Pradesh is also not untouched by this.”
Heavy rains in Shimla have disturbed normal life, especially for school children. Shimla student Tanuja Thakur said, “Classes are flooded due to rain, our clothes and books are wet. Teachers have asked us to stay at home. There is no point in going to school, everything is wet and there is an atmosphere of fear.” He said, “There are trees around our school, we are afraid that no tree falls. At least we are safe right now.”
The IMD has predicted that heavy rains are likely to continue in the state for the next few days, so the authorities are on high alert and are giving priority to rescue operations, restoration of infrastructure and monitoring of sensitive areas.
