Himachal Pradesh has seen huge devastation since the onset of monsoon, according to the State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA), 91 people lost their lives between June 20 and July 10.
In its latest cumulative damage report, SDMA reported that 55 deaths were directly caused by rainfall disasters, such as landslides, clouds, sudden floods, drowning incidents and electric shock. In addition, 36 deaths occurred due to adverse weather or in deteriorating road accidents.
The rains caused by the disasters such as landslides, sudden floods, cloud bursting and drowning have left the scene of havoc in the entire hill state. The cumulative damage report of SDMA (till July 10) suggests that the highest number of deaths related to rain (17 deaths) occurred in Mandi district, followed by Kangra (12 deaths) and Kullu (3 deaths).
15 people died in cloudburst incidents, nine drowned and eight people lost their lives in a sudden flood. The other ten deaths occurred due to falling from trees or slopes, while four people died of electric shock and the cause of four others could not be ascertained. Additional casualties include lightning, landslides and fire incidents due to rain.
In addition, 36 people died in road accidents during the same period, including Solan (6 deaths), Kullu (7 deaths) and Chamba (6 deaths).
A total of 131 people have been injured, while 364 animals have been killed. The SDMA has estimated a total loss of more than Rs 274 crore, including public infrastructure, water supply systems, power lines and widespread losses to rural development works.
A total of 752 houses have been completely damaged, while 880 are partially damaged. Agriculture and horticulture land has been damaged and there is also reported heavy losses in Public Works Department, Electricity and Rural Development areas.
Rebuilding efforts are ongoing and emergency teams have been deployed in more affected areas. The SDMA has called upon the residents to be vigilant as there is a possibility of more rain in the coming days.
Earlier, Chief Minister Thakur Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu on Thursday visited the disaster affected villages Baga, Syenj and Pangalore in Nachan assembly constituency in Mandi district and assessed the loss caused by the recent natural disaster.
He met the affected families, consoled them and assured all possible help from the state government. He prayed for the peace of the departed souls and expressed condolences to the bereaved families.
The Chief Minister personally took stock of the devastation in these villages and inquired about the loss of life and property. Seeing the plight of the victims, he became emotional and stayed in many places on the way and interacted with local residents and heard their complaints.
Chief Minister Sukhu said that the nature of disaster is very large, but the state government is standing firmly with every affected family and is committed to their rehabilitation. He assured that all necessary steps will be taken to provide relief and restore normal conditions in the area.
Two people have died in Baga village, while nine people were swept away in a sudden flood in Pangalia, out of which the bodies of four have been recovered. A search operation is on to search for the remaining five people. The residents of Baga told the Chief Minister that a large part of the hill has collapsed, causing heavy losses to their homes and animals.
The Chief Minister assured that complete compensation will be given for the loss of houses, cattle sides, cows, sheep and goats. He also instructed the district administration to make proper and adequate arrangements for the stay and rehabilitation of the affected families.
Congress leaders Chet Ram, Chandrashekhar Reddy, Vijay Pal Singh, APMC President Sanjeev Guleria, Jeevan Thakur, Naresh Chauhan, Laj Singh Kaushal, Pawan Thakur, Deputy Commissioner Apoorva Devgan, SP Sakshi Verma and other dignitaries were present on the occasion.
