Himachal Pradesh Monsoon Fury Claims Over 180 Lives
Shimla, Himachal Pradesh – The majestic mountains of Himachal Pradesh are currently witnessing a tragic dance of destruction as relentless monsoon rains wreak havoc across the state. The death toll from rain-related incidents, including devastating landslides, flash floods, and cloudbursts, has tragically climbed to over 180 since the onset of the monsoon in late June. Monsoon fury claims lives and leaves the state stranded, illustrating the gravity of these ongoing disasters. The incessant downpour has triggered a cascade of calamities. It has left a trail of destruction, severed connectivity, and plunged many regions into darkness.
The situation remains grim with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) predicting more rain in the coming days. This raises fears of further landslides and flooding. The districts of Mandi, Kullu, Chamba, Shimla, Solan, and Lahaul-Spiti are among the worst affected. These areas are grappling with monsoon fury, claiming numerous lives and leaving the state in a stranded condition.
Infrastructure Crumbles Under Nature’s Onslaught
The fury of the monsoon has brought life to a standstill in many parts of the state. As monsoon fury ravages on, it has also crippled its infrastructure. As of the latest reports, over 300 roads remain blocked due to landslides and flash floods. These include crucial national highways like NH-305, NH-505, NH-21, and NH-03. This has not only disrupted daily life and tourism but also hampered rescue operations. The worst-hit district, Mandi, has seen a significant number of road blockages.
In a harrowing incident, a cofferdam at the Malana-I hydropower project in Kullu district collapsed. This triggered a flash flood that swept away heavy machinery. A five-storey building also collapsed in Shimla. Fortunately, it had been evacuated prior to the incident.
The power and water supply systems have also taken a severe hit. Reports indicate that hundreds of power distribution transformers are non-functional, leading to widespread power outages in several districts. Similarly, numerous water supply schemes have been disrupted, leaving communities with a severe water crisis. The agricultural sector, a mainstay of the state’s economy, has also suffered immensely, with vast tracts of farmland destroyed. As the monsoon fury claims lives and leaves the state stranded, the infrastructure challenges multiply.
Schools Shut, Normalcy a Distant Dream
As a precautionary measure, authorities have ordered the closure of schools in several districts, including Kullu, Chamba, Shimla, Kangra, and Mandi. Amid the monsoon fury claiming lives, this decision aims to ensure the safety of students amid the threat of landslides and flash floods. With roads washed away and communication lines snapped, returning to normalcy seems like a distant dream for the residents of these battered regions.
Rescue and Relief Operations in Full Swing
In the face of this natural disaster, state and national agencies have swung into action. The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), the Army, and the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) are carrying out challenging rescue and relief operations. In regions where monsoon fury has stranded communities, they are evacuating stranded people and providing essential supplies.
The central government has announced financial aid and has dispatched a multi-sectoral central team to assess the extent of the damage. The Governor and the Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh have visited the affected areas to take stock of the situation. They have assured all possible support to the families affected by the monsoon fury which has claimed over 180 lives in Himachal Pradesh.
Relief camps have been established in several districts to provide shelter and aid to those who have lost their homes. However, the continuous rainfall and the challenging terrain are posing significant obstacles to the ongoing relief efforts.
The people of Himachal Pradesh are facing an unprecedented challenge. While the mountains stand witness to this monsoon mayhem, the spirit of resilience among the people offers hope. The rescue teams’ tireless efforts provide a glimmer of hope in these dark times.
