Himachal Pradesh grapples with 330 closed roads and landslides amid ongoing monsoon
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Shimla: Himachal Pradesh is facing severe challenges as 330 roads, including two main four-lane roads such as Kalka-Shimla, remain closed due to rain-triggered landslides and flash floods during the ongoing monsoons in the state.
The state has witnessed 79 landslides and 53 flash flood incidents.
As per the state disaster management authority, nearly 200 rain-related deaths and 31 missing persons have been reported in Himachal Pradesh during the past 41 days since the onset of the monsoon. Out of the total deaths, 57 were due to landslides and flash floods, while 142 people died due to road accidents during the monsoon period.
"So far 199 people have died in the monsoon due to various reasons. In which 57 people have lost their lives due to landslides and flash floods. 142 people have lost their lives due to road accidents or other reasons. In Himachal Pradesh, 31 people are missing and 229 people are injured," stated the state disaster management authority.
The disaster management authorities are facing challenges as the loss of lives is increasing each day due to the impact of rain and floods.
The estimated loss to infrastructure due to the rains stands at Rs 6563.58 crores. Rain-triggered flash floods have damaged 774 houses in the state, with 7317 houses partially damaged. Additionally, 254 shops and 2337 cow sheds have been damaged. 274 electricity and 42 water supply schemes are also being disrupted.
Vikramaditya Singh, the Public Works Department Minister, expressed his gratitude to Union Minister Nitin Gadkari for assuring a Rs 400 crore package for the restoration of flood-hit Kullu district during his recent visit to the state. Gadkari visited the sites along with Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu and interacted with the affected people and sought insights into their concerns during this challenging time, reported ANI.
Vikramaditya Singh expressed hope for support from the Centre as Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu plans to meet with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister, and Finance Minister in the next two days.
The state disaster management authority has issued an alert amid the heavy rain warning issued by the Indian Meteorological Department for the next two days in the state. The situation remains critical, and efforts are underway to manage the impact of the monsoon's fury in Himachal Pradesh.
