CM Sukhu says Himachal Pradesh hasn’t seen such ‘extensive heavy rain’ in 50 years

New Delhi: Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu on Monday said the hill state has not seen such “extensive heavy rains” in the last 50 years. At least 17 people have died in rain-related incidents in the state in the last two days, he said, adding that efforts are on to rescue 300 stranded tourists and locals in Lahaul-Spiti and Kullu districts.

CM Sukhu took stock of the situation arising out of incessant rains and landslides during a virtual review meeting of the State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA) and gave necessary guidelines to the officials. On Sunday late evening, he also spoke to all the Deputy Commissioners and took stock of the situation regarding the damage and gave necessary instructions to provide immediate relief to the affected.

**Video entertainment with observers and senior officials of the situation arising out of heavy rain**#disaster preparedness#weather alert#publicsafetyfirst#rescue operation#every life matters pic.twitter.com/LSGoi889Pb— Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu (@sukhsukhwinder) 10 July 2023

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The nature’s fury has caused extensive damage to roads, power transformers, power sub-stations and several water supply schemes in different parts of the state, with preliminary estimates of losses ranging from Rs 3,000 crore to Rs 4,000 crore. crore, he said.

Sukhu instructed the committee headed by Revenue Minister Jagat Singh Negi to convene a meeting soon to make an accurate assessment of the loss. He also directed all the Deputy Commissioners to be vigilant for the next 10 days and provide all possible help to the affected persons.

He directed to make adequate arrangements for accommodation, food and essential commodities for the stranded people besides preparing a state-wise list of stranded tourists. The Shrikhand Mahadev Yatra has also been suspended for the rest of the season due to six deaths reported during the pilgrimage.

Rain in Himachal Pradesh: PM Modi spoke to CM Sukhu

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday called up CM Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu and inquired about loss of life and property due to heavy rains and floods in Himachal Pradesh.

The Chief Minister informed them that the hill state has been badly affected by floods and heavy rains, causing extensive damage and provided the latest updates on the situation and sought generous assistance from the Central Government to deal with this natural calamity.

Sukhu also expressed his heartfelt appreciation to PM Modi for deploying the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) to assist in the rescue operations. He said that Himachal Pradesh would require adequate assistance from the Central Government to recover from the extensive damage caused by the calamity. He appealed to Prime Minister Modi to provide a special economic package to aid the state’s recovery process.

“Salute to the heroes engaged in relief and rescue work”#NDRF#district administration#disaster response#HimachalPolice#rescue operation#heroesamongus pic.twitter.com/lrbogWE2yf— Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu (@sukhsukhwinder) 10 July 2023

Hats off to the disaster response forces, local administration and police forces for their remarkable bravery and resilience during the challenging operation to rescue civilians stranded in river Beas today. Yesterday, he saved a total of 9 lives in Kullu, and today,… pic.twitter.com/yJH2qoHlel

— Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu (@sukhsukhwinder) 10 July 2023

Responding to the Chief Minister’s concerns, the Prime Minister assured him of the unwavering support of the Central Government while promising all possible assistance to him to come out of this crisis.

Helpline numbers released for Himachal Pradesh districts

Himachal Pradesh government has issued helpline numbers for respective districts and state emergency operation centres.

In case of any emergency people can contact on the numbers given below:

The state government has also issued two helpline numbers – 1100 and 1070 – to help those in distress.

It is noteworthy that Himachal Pradesh received 271.5 mm of rainfall during the monsoon season from July 1 to July 9, which is 69 per cent more than the normal rainfall of 160.6 mm.