Shimla, July 5(OT Webdesk): Torrential monsoon rains have triggered a large-scale disaster in Himachal Pradesh, leaving at least 69 people dead and 37 missing.
The catastrophic weather event, characterised by multiple cloudbursts, sudden floods, and landslides, has inflicted an estimated Rs 700 crore in damages, severely impacting infrastructure and communities across the state.
Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu announced that over 500 roads have been either destroyed or rendered impassable, and the electricity supply remains disrupted in several districts.
Rescue and relief operations are underway, with Mandi district emerging as the worst-affected.
In Thunag and Bagasyad alone, over 30 individuals are reported missing.
The government has pledged Rs 5,000 monthly as house rent for displaced families. “Our administration stands firmly with the affected citizens. We are ensuring fast-tracked relief efforts,” stated CM Sukhu.
As per the India Meteorological Department, Himachal may experience more heavy to very heavy rainfall until July 7.
Since the monsoon’s onset on June 20, the state has recorded 14 cloudbursts, causing devastation particularly in Mandi, Kangra, Chamba, Shimla, and surrounding regions.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah has spoken with the CM and assured central assistance to the flood-affected states of Himachal Pradesh, Gujarat, and Rajasthan.
