Himachal Pradesh: Natural disaster wreaks havoc in Himachal, the rescue of 780 people from flood-affected areas in Kangra

Natural calamity has created havoc in Himachal Pradesh. As many as 1,220 roads were closed in Mandi, Shimla, Kullu, district Sirmaur and other affected areas. Due to this, more than two thousand routes were affected on Wednesday also. Water is not going to people's homes due to siltation in drinking water sources. As many as 1,235 water schemes, including the maximum 541 in Mandi, are stalled.

On the other hand, flood situation has prevailed in the Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh. The Air Force has rescued more than 780 people in flood-affected areas. Indian Air Force officials said on Wednesday that helicopters of the Western Air Command have flown more than 50 sorties in the last 48 hours.

During this, more than 780 civilians were rescued from the flood-affected areas of Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh. On the ongoing relief and rescue operations in the Fatehpur sub-division of Kangra district, Kangra Deputy Commissioner Nipun Jindal said that a total of 800 stranded civilians were rescued on August 15.

Rescue operations by NDRF, Indian Army, and Indian Air Force are underway. All necessary arrangements have been made for the people rescued so far. Relief camps have also been set up for them.

CM Sukhu conducted an aerial survey of flood-affected areas

Earlier, on Wednesday, Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu conducted an aerial survey of flood-affected areas of Indora and Fatehpur in Kangra district. He took stock of the ongoing evacuation efforts and other relief work in the flooded downstream of Pong Reservoir. Interacting with people in relief camps at Damtal and Sheikhpura, the Chief Minister inquired about their well-being and assured them of all possible help from the government.

Heavy loss to farmers due to flood

The CM also expressed concern over the loss of life and property due to heavy rains and floods in the upper reaches of the state. Sukhu said that there has been huge damage to public and private properties. Hundreds of locals watched helplessly as their homes were washed away, while vast crop fields were submerged in water, causing unprecedented losses to farmers.

CM gave instructions to the officers

The Chief Minister said I assure you of a special package including compensation and relief material, especially for these areas. He directed the administration to ensure that the people taking shelter in the relief camps are properly looked after.

The Chief Minister also directed the officials to ensure adequate stock of eateries and essential medicines for relief operations. The death toll in rain-related incidents in the last three days has been pegged at 71.

71 people lost their lives

Onkar Chand Sharma, principal secretary, of disaster management, said the incessant rains from August 13-15 have claimed a total of 71 lives, while the net financial loss this monsoon is estimated to be around Rs 7,500 crore.

More damage on 13,14 and 15 August

There was more damage on 13, 14, and 15 August than in the entire month of July. The net damage to property and public infrastructure has been estimated at Rs 7,500 crore. He said that this estimate may be revised further, as the rescue and relief operations are still going on and the detailed estimate will take time.

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