CM Sukhu says state facing one of the worst disasters in its history
Pallavi Sharma
DHARAMSHALA:
With heavy rainfall continuing to batter Himachal Pradesh, the state government has ordered the closure of all schools, colleges and educational institutions across the state until September 7. The decision comes in the wake of a yellow alert issued by the India Meteorological Department (IMD) for heavy rains until September 5.
The directive was issued by the Himachal Pradesh Education Secretary, citing student safety as the primary concern. An official notification has been released and the order applies to both government and private institutions. The move is a precautionary step, given the worsening weather and rising risk of landslides and flash floods.
According to the IMD, the weather is expected to remain adverse for the next few days, especially in the hill and mid-hill regions. Light to moderate rain may continue in many parts, and isolated heavy spells cannot be ruled out.
Citizens have been advised to stay away from rivers, landslide-prone zones, and to follow all safety advisories issued by the authorities. Travel should be avoided unless absolutely necessary.
CM Sukhu calls it ‘historic disaster’
Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu described the situation as one of the worst natural disasters in Himachal Pradesh’s history. Sharing grim figures, he revealed that the state has already recorded 45 cloudburst incidents, 91 flashfloods and 105 major landslides this monsoon season.
So far, 161 people have lost their lives, with 40 others reported missing. Additionally, 154 people have died in road accidents, bringing the total fatalities this monsoon to over 300.
Massive damage to homes, infrastructure
The Chief Minister also said that 845 houses have been completely destroyed, while 3,254 homes have suffered partial damage. More than 780 roads remain blocked, severely impacting connectivity in rural areas.
Essential services have also been hit hard. A total of 360 drinking water supply schemes are non-functional and 2,274 electricity transformers have stopped working. The estimated financial loss so far stands at over Rs 3,000 crore, with many areas still being surveyed.
“These are not just statistics, but reflect the scale of suffering our people are facing. This is a picture of pain and destruction. I urge everyone to come forward and support Himachal during this difficult time,” said Sukhu.
Pong Dam water level crosses danger mark
In Kangra district, the situation has become more critical due to the rising water level in Pong Dam. By 8 am on Wednesday, the water level had reached 1393.52 feet, crossing the danger mark. The dam recorded an inflow of 2,00,177 cusecs and an outflow of 79,659 cusecs — with 62,671 cusecs released through spillways and 16,988 cusecs through turbines.
This has raised alarms in downstream areas, with SNB recording 68,159 cusecs and MHC 11,500 cusecs of water flow. The administration has issued a high alert for residents in low-lying areas of Fatehpur and Indora, urging people to stay alert and move to safer locations if necessary.
