Monsoon Fury Claims 55 Lives in Himachal, Halts Independence Day Festivities

Shimla: At least 55 people have tragically lost their lives in Himachal Pradesh due to heavy rainfall causing landslides, a cloudburst, and road blockages. This has led to the suspension of all cultural programs for Independence Day functions in light of the devastating fatalities caused by the rain-related incidents.

Addressing the nation from Delhi’s Red Fort, Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his sympathies and pledged combined efforts from state and central governments to assist affected families, acknowledging the unimaginable difficulties recent natural disasters have brought upon the nation.

Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu noted that the death toll might rise, with Solan, Shimla, Mandi, and Hamirpur being the worst-hit districts. Despite the challenges, restoration work is in full swing, with the Chandigarh-Shimla 4-lane highway and key roads now accessible. A robust deployment of personnel is engaged in relief and rescue operations.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah highlighted the engagement of National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams in Himachal Pradesh for relief and rescue. He expressed deep distress over the lives lost due to the deluge.

Solan district witnessed seven casualties due to a cloudburst, while nine lives were claimed by a landslide at a Shimla city Shiv Temple. Another landslide in the Fagli area resulted in five casualties, with 17 individuals successfully rescued.

The Indian Meteorological Department predicts continuing heavy rainfall in Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and northeast India. This current bout of heavy rain is attributed to a fresh Western Disturbance, driven by South-westerly Arabian Sea monsoonal winds hitting the foothills of the Himalayas.

This occurrence follows a recent monsoon fury that inflicted substantial loss of life and property in these hill states. The focus now remains on relief efforts and restoring normalcy after this new spell of torrential rain.