Isolated parts of Himachal Pradesh experienced light rain on Thursday (August 22, 2024) even as a total of 56 roads are closed due to landslides and other reasons across the state.
According to the State Emergency Operations Centre (SEOC), since the onset of the monsoon on June 27, as many as 139 persons have lost their lives in rain-related incidents, with the state suffering an estimated loss of Rs 1,195 crore. The persistent rainfall has also led to numerous road closures, further complicating transportation and relief efforts.
Mandi district is the worst affected with 18 road closures, followed by Shimla with 13, Kullu with 11, Kangra with 10, Kinnaur with two and Una and Sirmaur with one road closure each. The SEOC also said that 10 power supply schemes and five water supply schemes had been disrupted due to the heavy rainfall.
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The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a heavy rainfall alert for the state from August 25 to 28. The ongoing monsoon season has severely disrupted life in the region, with floods and landslides continuing to wreak havoc. The local weather office has issued a yellow alert for heavy rain, thunderstorms and lightning across various parts of the state from Sunday onward.
The state government has stepped forward to assist those who have lost their homes and belongings due to the disasters. A cabinet subcommittee, chaired by Revenue Minister Jagat Singh Negi, has been formed to coordinate the relief efforts. Panchayati Raj and Rural Development Minister Aniruddh Singh and Technical Education Minister Rajesh Dharmani are members of the committee, with the Special Secretary of Revenue serving as the member secretary.
In a recent cabinet meeting, the government discussed detailed plans to support families whose homes have been destroyed. The government will provide temporary residential facilities, offering Rs 10,000 per month for urban areas and Rs 5,000 per month for rural areas from August 1 to October 31, 2024.
Additionally, the government will supply free ration, LPG cylinders, utensils and bedding to the affected families. An immediate financial assistance of Rs 50,000 will also be distributed to those in need.
